Severe chest pains/spasms: Hi all. New... - St Thomas Lupus T...

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Severe chest pains/spasms

Dan30cr profile image
6 Replies

Hi all. New to this and only just been told I have SLE as I was rushed into hospital last night with severe chest pains/diaphragm spasms. Is this a common symptom of SLE?

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Dan30cr profile image
Dan30cr
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6 Replies
Twdibwd profile image
TwdibwdVolunteer

Dan30cr, if your SLE is confirmed don't be surprised at anything your body does or experiences. Whether it's new symptoms or malfunctions in any part of your body, reactions to medication you've used all your life, chronic fatigue, hair falling out, the list can be endless. I'm a bit confused though. Were you told that you had SLE when you were taken into hospital? How did they come to that conclusion if that was the case. Lupus is such a mimicker of other medical conditions it takes Specialists a while to confirm that the culprit is indeed SLE.

Dan30cr profile image
Dan30cr in reply to Twdibwd

It was a belief rather than a diagnosis. Putting together my medical history, the endless blood tests I've had in the last week and also the mask of a rash I've developed over the last few months which gets worse when I have pain, so while I was at the hospital it was brighter and more raised than ever. But until I get seen by the rheumatologist and the antibody tests come through they are not willing to make a diagnosis. To me having atleast 9 of the symptoms makes me believe it to be SLE. Though I may be wrong. Btw Im now getting the rash along my hairline, is that normal for SLE?

Twdibwd profile image
TwdibwdVolunteer in reply to Dan30cr

Good luck with the outcome of your tests and I hope you get to see a Rheumatologist soon.

Hi,

I asked our nurseonline and she said:

"Lupus itself can affect a wide range of tissues in and around the lungs. The lungs are covered in a special layer of tissue called the pleura which allows the lung to move more freely during breathing. These tissues can become inflamed and this is known as pleurisy.. Pleurisy is one of the most common complications of lupus in the lung, affecting up to 50% of patients. It is characterised by sharp stabbing pains in the chest which are aggravated by breathing and moving. Pleurisy can often be treated by aspirin-type anti-inflammatory drugs and/or prednisolone. Chest infections are also common in lupus. There are also rarer complications that affect the lung in lupus."

Hope you're feeling better soon :)

beehopeful profile image
beehopeful

I also had that too and my xray showed an enlarged heart.

Dan30cr profile image
Dan30cr in reply to beehopeful

Recently had a chest x ray. Waiting for the results.

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