[rainbowmum]

Hi everyone - Ive been having a good look around this site and thought I`d introduce myself and ask a question..
I attended a dermatology appointment yesterday via a referal from my GP. I had a skin biopsy taken and have an appointment for blood tests next week.
The dermatologist told me she suspects L E... (I have had an angry rash on my chest for over 10 years on and off).Am I right in assuming this is a form of lupus? Ive had depression and joint pain for years and been attending the doctor for these symptoms.
I`d appreciate any thoughts and thank you in advance -

 

[cath]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry you are having having health problems. It sounds though like you are hopefully on the right track now to getting them sorted out, or at least closer to a diagnosis:blush:.

LE is the abreviation for lupus erythmatosis. There are indeed a few sub types - Systemic LE, Dicoid LE, Subacute Cutaneous LE. Which of these is causing your problems may be revealed by the biopsy.


Which ever it turns out to be, it is worth you seeing a rheumatologist for full evaluation. There are a number of blood tests, urine tests and physical examination which should be done to deturmine if you have other health problems in addition to the skin ones, and to correctly diagnose you.

If it is endeed a form of lupus the first medication you'll probably be prescribed is plaquenil. It is also important that you avoid the sun as this will worsen most skin problems and can also exacerbate sytemic problems if you are prone to them.

Keep us updated!

X C X

 

[KarolH]

Hi Rainbowmum,

Welcome to a great place. I am pretty new to Lupus but I would suggest once your blood work comes back you go to a Rheumatologist for a second opinion.

You will find great information here and support too.

I just wanted to welcome you and let you know if this is Lupus, once on the right drugs you will feel better and that angry rash might just go away.:wink2:

Nice to meet you.

 

[rainbowmum]

LE?

Thanks for your replies...this is a stresslful time waiting on results but I`ll keep getting as much info as poss in the meantime too - will let you know how I get on x

 

[Katharine]

Hello Rainbowmum and welcome

You have been given good information already and it is good that you are putting your waiting time to use t try and learn more. I just wanted to add that you musn't try and interpret blood tests (or other tests) yourself as they can be extremely complex and we can imagine all sorts of things that way.

The internet is also an invaluable source of information but is can be a dangerous tool in that there is so much information. If you stick to the main hospital sites such as the St Thomas's site or the London Lupus centre site as well as the Lupus Foundation of America and the UKlupus site (connected to these boards), then you will get up to date information.

I would agree that asking for a referral to a rheumatologist is very worthwhile given that you have been having joint pain problems for years as well and that they are usually the most specialised in lupus.

Katharine

 

[LolaLola]

Hello Rainbow Mum,
Waiting is difficult. You have my sympathy. Please remember blood tests may not reflect the whole picture which is a good reason for full examination and discussion of medical history.
X Lola

 

[rainbowmum]

Thanks for the further info and replies...I appreciate the advice - will keep popping in x