Guest guest Posted May 24, 2004 Report Share Posted May 24, 2004 Hi all! I'm brand new to the world of autoimmune diseases and could sure use some advice/help! I'd been feeling lousy since last fall. It started with what the doctor said was the flu, but I only had severe joint pain and a high fever and rash. It never really went away. I was told I probably had either Lyme Disease or Epstein-Barr, but both tests came back negative. I get unexplained red bumps on my cheeks that come and go at will and I developed nodules on my elbows. My hands are a mess. Ten years ago, I moved to Texas because I couldn't tolerate the cold -- I'd get horrible headaches, lose balance and my fingers and toes turn bluish white and get horribly stiff in cold weather and even cold air conditioning. It takes forever for them to warm up! Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. My doctor ran a panel for Lupus recently and told me on Friday that some of the Lupus tests were positive but the ANA is negative. He's going to continue to monitor this situation. (My RF is positive and the C-RP was really high a few weeks ago.) How is a Lupus diagnosis reached? Does it sound like I do have it? The doctor has me on Plaquenil and methotrexate because he said they help RA and Lupus, too. Does this sound reasonable? Any advice/info would be most appreciated! -Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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