[bellamarie]

Hello
5 yrs ago I started feeling very fatigued, chest ached(I described it like my chest felt like it had the flu) lasting from 1-3 wks at at time. I started taking dayquil just to get through the day thinking it was cold, flu etc. This went on for a year then I started in with doctors (ENT, primary, allergist). Great, I have allergies, I found my diagnosis(although I didn't have the normal allergy symptoms like running nose, watery eyes, etc.) My allergist put me on allegra in the morning & singular at night. This combo really seemed to work as the bouts I was having dissapeared. I am a migraine sufferer and have many hormonal issues (1 beautiful daughter but 4 horrible miscarriages). We have had some major trauma in our family starting 4 yrs ago. I attributed my now daily migraines and daily ourbreaks of herpes simplex to post traumatic stress. Mind you, I had an outbreak about once a yr and the migraines were about twice a week prior to this. I also have restless leg syndrome, urinate frequently during the night, issues w sleep & abdominal pain. When I go off of my allegra and singular the fatigue, flu like symptoms, chest aches come back. I most recently have been diagnosed w/ anemia, my knees and hip are painful, numbness occasionally in my neck, arms, leg, & a recent positive ANA blood test of 1:2560. Is all this normal for a girl of 38 yrs old or is this 5 yrs in the making of an autoimmune disease? My mom also had lupus.

 

[Katharine]

Hi again,

Um no, I wouldn't describe that as normal at any age. Never mind the "tender" one of 38 :lol:

I can't remember if you have already seen a rheumatologist. I think you have to go and see one don't you?

With those miscarriages you had, have you ever been tested for APS (sticky blood)?

You say your Mum "had" Lupus, why had? Lupus doesn't normally go away unless it is the medication induced type.

I think the only thing to do to answer all these questions is to make sure that you get to see a specialist. Before going make sure to have listed all your symptoms and have a good look through the criteria and alternative crietria posted at the top of "not yet diagnosed" to see if anything fits.

Try and get an appointment with a good rheumy, preferably one specialising in auto-immune diseases.

Katharine

 

[bellamarie]

Katharine
Have not seen a rheum. yet, making the appt on Mon. Have not been tested for sticky blood but will look into it right now! Thanks for the advice!!! My mom passed 4 yrs ago from heart failure. Don't know if it was due to the lupus or from many other things she suffered from, she was tired of being in pain all of the time. Miss her like crazy!!!
Have a great day!

 

[Maia]

In my non-medical opinion, clearly this is not normal! I would say there is most likely something autoimmune going on - and hope the appt with the rheumy comes quickly. I would also advise you to search through the find a doctor forum for doctor recommendations in your area - to ensure you get off on the right foot.

With the miscarriage history - be sure to inform the rheumatologist of that as it should guide him to test you for the clotting antibodies (anti-cardiolipin, lupus anticoagulant, and beta-2-glycoprotein).

Good luck with everything. (((hugs)))

 

[peonyprincess]

Bellamarie,

First, sorry to hear about the lost of your mother. I am sure the loss of a parent is very difficult to deal with.

I do agree with the other s that with all of your symptoms and lab work, it would be very important for you to see a Rheumy and of course as soon as possible. With the family history of an autoimmune diease being present, it makes it all t hat more important to go further in your questions.

Wishing you the best of luck,

Nancy

 

[halfpintfl]

Hi Bellamarie, I am so very sorry for your loss of your mother, and your terrible loss of four miscarriages. You have my deepest sympathies. Yes, you should deffinately get a referral from your GP to go see a Rheumy, the sooner the better, although they are usually very booked up, but that will give you time to get your notes written and all together. Make a copy to give to the Rheumy to put into your file so that he can always referr to it. You do not deserve to hurt any more, especially without knowing why, so make that appt, and let us know when it is. We are all here to help you and support you. Be well.:wink2: ​