[r1980]

I suspect I may have lupus and wasn't sure where to go from here. I saw a Rheum. last year and he said my ANA was neg., but my (I might slaughter this here) C3 or 4 were off. He also said I have Raunauds and Sicca (sp). He has since moved and I'm not sure if I should pursue a new Rhuem, or go to an endo? Do you know of any in Florida (we're in SW but would drive)? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.


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PS- If it helps, I was fine until I took an anaphylatic reaction to an NSAID in 01. Since then, I've had food sensativities (negative RAST), rashes when I go in the sun, consitpation, hair loss, aches, lower abdomen bloat etc. When I get this sun rashes, I also feel extremly fatigued, warm and almost burny under my skin. I have PCOS, Intersittial Cystitis, and a heart murmur.

 

[lazylegs]

Hello and Welcome to the forum. I hope we can help you find the answers you need.

I recommend seeing a Rheumatologist for both Raynaud's and Sicca/ Sjogrens. Factoring in some of your other symptoms it wouldn't hurt to be retested.

As to finding a doctor in Florida is suggest posting in the Find a Doctor forum. There are several members in your area that might be able to help you.

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[LolaLola]

Hello and Welcome,
A Rheumy is definitely the way to take this forward. I am in the UK so can't help with recommendations but I am sure others will.
x Lola

 

[cad]

Hello,
Welcome to the site.
I would agree with whats already been said that seeing a rheumy should definately be the first port of call. See what they say and then take it from there in terms of anything else that may not be related directly to a rheumatological disease.

I really hope that you get to the bottom of things.

Sorry am the UK too so can't help with recommending a doctor either.

Good Luck

Take Care

Cassie

 

[r1980]

Thanks!

Hi,
Thanks for the input! It's been frustrating as to "where to go next"...some of the doctors I have seen have been just awful. Case in point: The last allergist I saw questioned how I knew I had PCOS and IC. Both were diagnosed via approriate menas (transvag ultrasound and cystoscopy). It just gets overwhelming. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[onetay]

I would say you should start with a rhuemy and if another doctor is needed they can forward you to another one. It is important to be treated for the things you know you have and to find out if there is something else going on with you. I live in Illinois so sorry no help with a doctor in florida however there is an area on the site that you can post to find one in your area. I would say put a post for what you are looking for and someone will post a reply to help you with finding a doctor. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[cemc]

For the food sensitivities, bloating, constipation, perhaps you could ask to be screened for coeliac disease as well? Its an initial blood test followed by endoscopy and biopsy if bloods positive. I am suggesting this because coeliac is incredibly common (1 in 100 people) but very underdiagnosed, and because it is another autoimmune disorder that goes hand in hand with many other AI disorders.