Fibro and Lupus?

[BabsTenn]

Hi everyone, I am 47 and have Fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, multiple bulging discs, mild scoliosis, hypothyroidism, and ostephytes(bone spurs on my vertebrae). My brother recently went to ER with blood clots and was diagnosed with Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Three years ago my sister had blood clots and experienced a Pulmonary embolism. It went to her heart and she had to be shocked twice to get her back (we were working at the hospital, she would have died if I hadn't been there to get help. We were the only 2 nurses on our floor.) I've been coloring with map pencils for a couple days and today my hand is so swollen and painful that I can't even make a loose fist. I have an appt with my PVP tomorrow and wondering if I should get tested for Lupus...?

[Hidden]

I would say that you should get tested for Lupus and all the other rheumatic diseases including RA if possible.

With all your back problems and family history you should ask to be tested for Ankylosing Spondylitis HLA-B27 - plus Psoriatic Arthritis (with or without the Psoriasis) too if you can. This could include MRI or CT to look for inflammation in your large joints and spine as it doesn't always show in blood. As well as FBC and full immunology panel I would ask for inflammation markers ESR and CRP.

I wish you luck finding answers. It certainly sounds as if your family have had a very tough ride heath-wise. Thank goodness you were able to save your sister. Twitchytoes

[777dove]

Hi Babs,

Your list is exactly the same as mine except I also have an autoimmune disorder called Sjogrens Syndrome. No one with SS thinks it is a 'syndrome" but rather a DISEASE. I would ask for blood tests for anti-La and anti-Ro as well. But I'm sure the rheumatologist would think of that.

I wasn't diagnosed by my lab work as I am seronegative negative (at least at this time). My diagnosis came through a positive lip biopsy.

Tracy

[Hidden in reply to 777dove]

And I'm seronegative too like Tracy but lip biopsy 100% positive for Sjögren's Disease.

[777dove in reply to Hidden]

We have a lot in common Twitchy!

[Hidden in reply to 777dove]

We really do! Xx