Deblynn
05-29-2006, 11:11 PM
I posted in the "introduction" section, and here is a list of my symptoms:
at 22 years old, while pregnant, I developed a horrible feeling on my left side of one rib catching onto another and locking (my ribscage was heightened by my pregnancy). I mentioned this to my doctor at the time and she was unconcerned. The pain was extreme and took about 30 to 60 seconds to pass. I still occassionally get the pain and have learned to stand up straight to alleviate it. According to my research, this coud be Pericarditis. It has worsened since gaining weight in the past year (25 pounds). I am about 30 pounds overweight.
About two years later I developed a condition, with fever, that made it hurt to breathe. My hubby took me to the ER, and because of my difficulty the doctor said it could be a blood clot. After X-rays it was found to be an infection in the lining around my lungs. In my research I discovered this is Pleurisy/Pleuritis. I have not since experienced this condition.
About six years ago I developed a rash in my right shin that I can see now is probably a Discoid Rash, but was diagnosed as an exema. It has never completely left but is subdued with steroid cream. I have had massive reactions to mosquito bites, especially as a kid. A poison oak out break and the only bee sting I've ever got both needed to be treated with cortisone shots. EVERYTHING that happens to my skin becomes infected, if not dealt with immediately.
About 8 years ago I had an episode at my work where my neck and right shoulder was affected (presumably work related), and my right hand became discolored. I took physical therapy treatment, cortisone shots and anti-inflammatory drugs which did not help. It was at that time my GP began to have concerns that I was "faking" my symptoms. Today my neck and shoulders have continued to bother me, and I've still had to have PT for my symptoms (after many years of chiropractic treatment--wanted to try something else) and my PT said she didn't know how I "did life" with my neck. Most recently my elbows have began to ache, and my left thumb seems very arthritic.
About 6 years ago two fingers on my right hand turned completely white after slicing lemons in a cold environment. I have learned that this is Raynauds. Some warm water for about 30 minutes alleviated the symptom.
Today I still suffer from weakness in my neck, shoulders and arms. For the pain I have learned to ice, take Motrin and exercise, but still the pain and weakness comes and goes. My mouth is dry often and sometimes I choke when drinking or eating (Sjurgrens). Fatigue is a normal part of my life, as I require at least one nap a day and can "lay around" indefinitely. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif I have dry eyes to the point they feel like cotton sometimes, and they are red just below the lashes.
Oh, the brain fog! I thought it was just 'getting older'. I can't remember names, have trouble articulating thoughts (my friends commonly finish my sentences these days) and I can't even concentrate enough to even read the newspaper anymore! I haven't read a novel in three years.
Depression is difficult and I have been fighting it on a daily basis for almost 6 years. I have NEVER been one to have pity parties, though I am quite hard on myself.
So, if I am not diagnosed with Lupus, where else can I look?
Almost hoping there is a condition that I can put my finger on, so I can begin the process of becoming informed, coming to terms with it and start the healing/dealing process. I am now beginning to understand how important it is to take care of my body, and feeling a need to share with others about these things!
Regards,
Deblynn
xoxo
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif
at 22 years old, while pregnant, I developed a horrible feeling on my left side of one rib catching onto another and locking (my ribscage was heightened by my pregnancy). I mentioned this to my doctor at the time and she was unconcerned. The pain was extreme and took about 30 to 60 seconds to pass. I still occassionally get the pain and have learned to stand up straight to alleviate it. According to my research, this coud be Pericarditis. It has worsened since gaining weight in the past year (25 pounds). I am about 30 pounds overweight.
About two years later I developed a condition, with fever, that made it hurt to breathe. My hubby took me to the ER, and because of my difficulty the doctor said it could be a blood clot. After X-rays it was found to be an infection in the lining around my lungs. In my research I discovered this is Pleurisy/Pleuritis. I have not since experienced this condition.
About six years ago I developed a rash in my right shin that I can see now is probably a Discoid Rash, but was diagnosed as an exema. It has never completely left but is subdued with steroid cream. I have had massive reactions to mosquito bites, especially as a kid. A poison oak out break and the only bee sting I've ever got both needed to be treated with cortisone shots. EVERYTHING that happens to my skin becomes infected, if not dealt with immediately.
About 8 years ago I had an episode at my work where my neck and right shoulder was affected (presumably work related), and my right hand became discolored. I took physical therapy treatment, cortisone shots and anti-inflammatory drugs which did not help. It was at that time my GP began to have concerns that I was "faking" my symptoms. Today my neck and shoulders have continued to bother me, and I've still had to have PT for my symptoms (after many years of chiropractic treatment--wanted to try something else) and my PT said she didn't know how I "did life" with my neck. Most recently my elbows have began to ache, and my left thumb seems very arthritic.
About 6 years ago two fingers on my right hand turned completely white after slicing lemons in a cold environment. I have learned that this is Raynauds. Some warm water for about 30 minutes alleviated the symptom.
Today I still suffer from weakness in my neck, shoulders and arms. For the pain I have learned to ice, take Motrin and exercise, but still the pain and weakness comes and goes. My mouth is dry often and sometimes I choke when drinking or eating (Sjurgrens). Fatigue is a normal part of my life, as I require at least one nap a day and can "lay around" indefinitely. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif I have dry eyes to the point they feel like cotton sometimes, and they are red just below the lashes.
Oh, the brain fog! I thought it was just 'getting older'. I can't remember names, have trouble articulating thoughts (my friends commonly finish my sentences these days) and I can't even concentrate enough to even read the newspaper anymore! I haven't read a novel in three years.
Depression is difficult and I have been fighting it on a daily basis for almost 6 years. I have NEVER been one to have pity parties, though I am quite hard on myself.
So, if I am not diagnosed with Lupus, where else can I look?
Almost hoping there is a condition that I can put my finger on, so I can begin the process of becoming informed, coming to terms with it and start the healing/dealing process. I am now beginning to understand how important it is to take care of my body, and feeling a need to share with others about these things!
Regards,
Deblynn
xoxo
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif