Lupus Never Looked So Good

All my spoons are in all the right places, if you know what I'm talkin' about...

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Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor

 

Anonymous asked
I'm sorry if you've been asked a lot of questions about this, but I was wondering...what symptoms did you have before you were diagnosed with lupus? I'm currently seeing a rheumatologist, and I've basically been in the dark for about 2 years. The doctors believe that I'm highly susceptible to lupus based on my blood work as well as symptoms of fibromyalgia and sjogren's syndrome, but my symptoms aren't "enough" to actually diagnose. It’s so frustrating because it’s not like I want to feel this w

I understand your frustration, I really do.  I’m sorry you’re dealing with the “run-around” that so many of us do.  

At the time of my diagnosis I had the following symtpoms:

  • skin lesions 
  • a positive ANA
  • digestive irritation/new food allergies
  • joint pain/swelling in the knees and wrists
  • chronic fatigue
  • menstrual irregularity (periods that lasted more than a month, severe PMDD)
  • headaches
  • depression

unfortunately, the diagnostic process for Lupus (as well as many other Chronic Illness) is very shaky and always changing.  But here’s the thing, I was not diagnosed by a Rheumatologist.  In fact, when I saw a Rheumatologist, I was told “I don’t know” followed by “here, take these steroids”.  I saw 3 other doctors before I was finally diagnosed, and the woman who did was an MD who specialized in Chronic Illness and incorporated Holistic treatment into her work.

Do not trust the opinion of just one doctor.  Doctors are people, people who make mistakes.  Go search relentlessly for your answers.  Use the internet, and ask many questions.  Keep a diary of your symptoms and bring it with you to your appointments.  Good luck!