Diagnosis?

[ChelleFeegan]

Hello all,

Firstly apologies if I am in completely the wrong place.

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia around four years ago; but I’m concerned it’s something more (and always have) - I have an appointment on Thursday with my doctor as a friend mentioned lupus and I am here to get the experts opinion/advice

I have a rash (not all the time) on my cheeks, nose and sometimes my forehead (diagnosed as rosacea)

I have sinus tachycardia (fast heart rate)

Retinal migraines (visual)

Rash (red scaly circles on chest and left life)

Fatigue

Dizziness (diagnosed as BPPV)

Joint pain (especially left hand side)

Mouth ulcers (that I end up biting!)

Headaches (like someone is squeezing my head)

Confusion (delay in getting words out but nothing that causes too much concern)

Frequent weeing - I could drink nothing all morning and still need to pee!

Anxiety

Depressive feelings (but nothing diagnosed as I’m putting this down to feeling generally poop).

Fibromyalgia diagnosis (via consultant at hospital)

Coeliac disease

B12 deficiency

IBS

now am I just super unlucky or are these symptoms that you guys have experienced before you diagnosis?

What sort of things should I be saying to the doctor, I have heard of asking for an ANA test

Thanks for any guidance or advice you can give

[Jmiller623]

Hi Chelle. Welcome! Nice to have you.

Lupus is a diagnosis based on labs and clinical criteria/symptoms. A rheumatologist is best suited to make such evaluations and diagnoses. A good PCP can send off some prelim labs to get the ball rolling. It’s not uncommon to be diagnosed with fibro or CFS/ME before we get a connective tissue disease diagnosis. Antidepressants work pretty well for fibro and might be a good choice for you esp if mood is low. Fibro isn’t caused by depression, just FYI. Antidepressants just work on nerve endings that seem to be faulty in fibro.

You have a lot of symptoms many of us here can relate to all too well. I don’t think it’d be too far fetched to ask that an ANA be sent off. If it comes back positive then more work up will be done. I think your thyroid should also be checked as it’s linked to celiac and hyperthyroid can cause some of your symptoms. Vit D and iron should also be checked at the same time.

I do hope you get answers. We are all here for you. Sending hugs. ❤️xx

[whisperit]

Hello ChelleFeegan

I haven't much to add to Jmiller623's reply, but here is a link to the Lupus UK leaflets, which are free to download. The leaflet on diagnosis and symptoms in particular might be worth a look.

lupusuk.org.uk/publications/

Hope all goes well tomorrow x

[Krazykat26]

Hi Chelle🤗 you've definitely come to the right place..Welcome 💐 I find that keeping a symptom diary helps me to keep track of what's going on and when. Then prior to any doctors appts I can go through my symptom diary n form some kind of idea about what questions I want to ask at the appt. I find it easier to prep beforehand coz these appts can be fast n furious with lots of questions from Dr etc wears me out!!

Also take photos of any skin involvement especially the rashes.

This is a very informative, supportive n caring forum..u will learn all u need to know from us lot who live with autoimmune disease 24/7!! I've personally learnt more on here than I have from any doctor!! You're not alone for sure 🤗

Good luck with the appt 🌈😽😽xx