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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Spriggy on May 29, 2005, at 11:11:15
My gp (who is an internal meds doctor) diagnosed me with Lupus after 3 ANA tests came back positive and high ( I don't understand the number thing but it was like 1:180), I had the butterfly rash across my face, the joint aches, fevers, and something about my red count.
Anyway, so he starts treating me for Lupus with prescription anti inflammatory meds and pain meds as needed.
He then sends me to a neurologist this week who then pushes all over my body and then he diagnoses me with fibromyalgia.
So I guess I am confused. Why do I need to have both? Can't I just have lupus? ROFL..
Since they seem to mimick each other, why would I need to be diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia.
Is there a guiness record for how many diagnosis one person can get in the shortest amount of time?
If not, please enter my name in the drawing. LOL
Posted by MidnightBlue on May 29, 2005, at 19:51:52
In reply to Lupus AND fibromyalgia... I'm on a roll, posted by Spriggy on May 29, 2005, at 11:11:15
Spriggy,
Hang in there. Did you ever make it to a rheumatologist? I have been diagnoised with fibromyalgia. Then later another doctor said I didn't hurt enough on those tender spots so I didn't have it. Who knows. One rheumatologist said I had it 15 years later another said I didn't.
It does sound like you might have lupus because of the high ana, rash and fever. I didn't realize you had the butterfly rash. High ana is found is several auto immune diseases. I acutally knew someone who had 4 or 5 of the auto immune diseases at one time! I guess you'll have to try harder for the record!
Hugs,
MidnightBlue
Posted by Larry Hoover on May 30, 2005, at 16:42:08
In reply to Lupus AND fibromyalgia... I'm on a roll, posted by Spriggy on May 29, 2005, at 11:11:15
> My gp (who is an internal meds doctor) diagnosed me with Lupus after 3 ANA tests came back positive and high ( I don't understand the number thing but it was like 1:180), I had the butterfly rash across my face, the joint aches, fevers, and something about my red count.
Sounds like SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), all right. There are many different sites on the Internet with support and information. Here's a good one:
http://www.lupus.org/education/whatis.html> Anyway, so he starts treating me for Lupus with prescription anti inflammatory meds and pain meds as needed.
It's really important to reduce the symptoms of a flare. The treatment is also something of a preventative, making it less likely you'll flare again.
> He then sends me to a neurologist this week who then pushes all over my body and then he diagnoses me with fibromyalgia.
>
> So I guess I am confused. Why do I need to have both? Can't I just have lupus? ROFL..Remember, you're a woman with symptoms, not a diagnosis. It helps, sometimes, to have a diagnosis, as a guide to management and treatment strategies. I'm not so sure that some diagnoses aren't much more that different expressions of one underlying pathology.
> Since they seem to mimick each other, why would I need to be diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia.
I'm sorry. This is a bit of a shock, eh? Searching for a diagnosis, any diagnosis, and getting two, one after the other.
> Is there a guiness record for how many diagnosis one person can get in the shortest amount of time?Now you know what you're dealing with.
> If not, please enter my name in the drawing. LOLFeel free to whine and moan, or joke around, as you see fit.
Hugs,
Lar
Posted by Phillipa on June 1, 2005, at 18:28:06
In reply to Re: Lupus AND fibromyalgia... I'm on a roll » Spriggy, posted by Larry Hoover on May 30, 2005, at 16:42:08
Spriggy, That's not really that high of an ANA. Mine has ranged from l:360 to l:l80 for years. Depending on the lab the results and numbers may vary. Some say l:60 or below is normal. But that doesn't coincide with the way the numbers work. Normal would have to be below l:90 to have an ANA of l:180 as the numbers double each time. So your ANA is just one step above the normal range. The butterfly rash is usually a sign of systemic lupus. And the joint pains. If you got my E-mail you know the sun will make your feel worse and can cause a flare up. Love You Phillipa
Posted by Spriggy on June 1, 2005, at 18:51:19
In reply to Re: Lupus AND fibromyalgia... I'm on a roll, posted by Phillipa on June 1, 2005, at 18:28:06
Thanks Phillipa. I never quite understood those numbers. Apparently, my 3rd results came back even higher and they are mailing me the numbers. I'll post them when I get them in the mail.
Yeah, the rash and joint pain is what I've read about too. Also fevers, etc..
I notice when the weather changes, I feel much worse but it does seem like I'm having better days since they started me on meds.
I will just keep praying I will find relief and can accomplish all I need to each day.
Thanks for thinking of me!
Posted by ed_uk on June 2, 2005, at 7:16:48
In reply to Lupus AND fibromyalgia... I'm on a roll, posted by Spriggy on May 29, 2005, at 11:11:15
Hi Spriggy!
It's GOOD to see you back :-)
Kind regards,
Ed.
This is the end of the thread.
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