[Mel32]

HI, I stareted to feel really sick about 2 months ago. Lost 6 lbs extreme fatigue, weakness, bones ache etc..my GP did an ANA and it came back 1:320
I went to a rheumatologist and he ran all the ususal antibody tests and the only thing that came back was anticardiolipin and it was 10. Which is considered interdeterimint and therefore he said all I have is Fibro and to exercise. I feel so sick and my joints ache and im so tired all the time. Do I really only have fibro, what should I do. I also have hashimoto's so he said the ANA was from that, nothing else. These docitrs keep telling me I am depresessed as well, its very frustrating. Also I get daily migraines and terrible memory problems.

 

[law2lam]

Hi Mel 32
I am not sure what the blood results mean but I have Fibro and I get similar symtoms....fatigue, muscle ache/fatigue, joint pain, memory problems amongst others. I cant say whether you have one illness or the other but your symptoms do resemble mine. My symptoms are controlled by medication which allows me to function on a daily basis so maybe you should try medication if you are not on any, to see how you feel.
Lynn
xxx

 

[Clare.T]

Welcome to the forum Mel
I am sorry you are so unwell.

Did the rheumy do the pressure points test for fibro and did he prescribe for it? It can be just as bad or even worse than lupus in terms of suffering.
It's true that the ANA can be raised in Hashimoto's although I have the impression it is usually l 1:160 or less.
I am wondering if you can get a second opinion and if this rheumy has any special knowledge of lupus. If he didn't do the fibro test and didn't prescribe for it, it might suggest he isn't much good.
Gentle exercise is important in both fibro and lupus

Let us know how you get on

Bye for now
Clare

 

[Mel32]

Update

Hi everyone, thank you so much for responding. It really helps to talk to people. I saw another rheumatologist today and she did a more thorough exam, felt my body all over, my joints etc.She said I have fibro as well, but did not doagnose me with Lupus. She gave me a prescription for flexeril and did x rays which were good and more bloodwork. I am not sure what she is testing in the bloodwork but said I should have my results back in a week, I have a follow up apt in 4 weeks so I guess I will just wait. Its terrible though cause I feelso bad..but I guess there is nothing there to diagnose yet..
thanks for your support.

 

[Taree]

Hi Mel. I hope you get answers and feel better soon!

X T X

 

[sam101360]

You have a DX of Fibro, and some medication + A rhumy who took the time to make sure. This is good/bad!

A DX of fibro is bad enough, but since you did have a positive ANA and you have an autoimmune disease already, at least you will be monitored and if something else does crop up they will catch it!

I hope you find some relief from the meds however, do not be afraid to say if the results are not good enough or if the side effects are no good.

Remember you are your own advocate!

Good luck - Stephanie

 

[Maia]

Flexeril is not the best long term treatment for fibro, there are others that are better (amitriptyline, Lyrica, etc.). Please let us know how things go and what turns up in those blood tests. You may want to question the rheumy about what follow up is being recommended for you given the elevated ANA and symptoms that may not be consistent with fibro like bone/joint pain.

 

[halfpintfl]

Hi Mel, Fibro is also a chronic disease, just as Lupus is. And anyone who has a chronic disease, will have depression, it goes hand-in-hand. So the good things are;
you have a Rheumy, you can ask for an antidepressant, and you are already on a pain med. Those are the good things.
And you will need to keep the Rheumy.as he can keep up with your progress, which is good. Write down any symptoms that you get, make a copy of it, at the next appt give one to him and tell him to put it into your file. You keep the first one at home and keep it up to date. Lupus is often dx more by symptoms than bloods. If any of your meds don't work for you, tell him right away, and have it changed. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.:wink2: ​