[MrsC]

Hi I am new to the forum, so sorry in advance if not using properly.

I am off work at the moment with an allergic reaction, to what who knows, my doctor says looks like bites. Have been surfing the net and think I may have Lupus:-

Allergic to Septrin (2 occ whilst a child 2yrs & 10yrs, swollen lips/tongue and rash all over)
Suffered from migraines from teens
Glandullar Fever at 12yrs
Cronic knee pain leading to 4 operations to tighten ligaments (still suffer pain)
I get swollen lymp nodes under my arm pits when feeling unwell
Always tired, can't get myself going some days. Makes me feel like I am lazy and there is nothing really wrong.
When I have had blood tests in the past have had to be repeated due to low white cell count.
Fainting & low blood pressure.

I had a lumber puncture, nerve conduction tests and blood test probably about 10yrs ago when I was under the doctor for the knee pain, which resulted in the knee operations.

Should I go back to my GP, feel like I am always there, will they already know from the tests I had?

 

[x_claire_x]

welcome

Hello and welcome to the forum, there is a list of criteria for SLE diagnosis but it can be done on symptoms/history too. Your symptoms could be nothing to do with Lupus but if you have any suspicions I would ask for a referral to a Rheumatologist.They will order the correct auto immune blood tests and be able to interpret them for you. You know your own body and if you think alot of questions remain unanswered I suggest you go with your intuition and ask for further testing. Whatever the outcome, it is usually easier to deal with your body when you have a reason for your symptoms.. there are many other things that can cause this, so next step is to ask for further investigation.
All the best,

Claire X

 

[MrsC]

Thanks

I'm gonna follow your advice and make an appointment to see my GP. Could already be something in my notes!

Thankyou!!!!

 

[onetay]

MrsC,
Hi and Welcome to the site. You should first speak with your doctor about the problems you are having and if he/she does not have your history make sure that they do get it. Let him/her know what has been going on with you and ask what they think it could be or if your labs showed any signs of anything going on? Many times if you say lupus they will do everything they can to work around it as gp's (most of the time) do not really understand it. You have to keep on the doctor to find the answer but don't let them tell you or make you believe that you are crazy, you know how you feel and you can't help that. I wish you good luck with finding out what is going on with you and let us know if there is anything we can help with. I hope you are feeling well.

 

[MrsC]

Made an appointment

I've made an appointment for Mon, thanks for advice! I'd never heard of Lupus, I'm quite annoyed that I have had tests in the past and not had anything explained. Was a long time ago and I am under a different doctor now. So I will see how I go.

Thanks again.

Deb:worried:

 

[Lily]

Hi Mrs C,

It's a good idea to have that initial appt with GP, you might like to make it a bit longer appt time if possible so that you can go over all these things with them. One thing I can't stress enough is not to go in there saying you think you might have Lupus, a much more sensible approach would be to tell them your health history and your symptoms and ask if they think there might be a problem with your immune system. That would work much better docs hate it when we march in having decided what we might have before any investigations have been done. I only say mention the possibility of an immune problem because that at least leads them in the right direction.

love
Lily

 

[KarolH]

I agree with Lily that you should mention the possibility of a immune problem to them. Also, I would make a list to take with you of things that have been going on, similar to the list you provided here. Even if something seems small or not relavant mention it anyway.

You can also request records that may be in your file. I am a firm believer that it is important for the patient to have copies of their own records. You never know when you will need them or even be looking through them and catch something yourself that may have been over looked in the past.

Good luck, welcome to a great place on the web and let us know how you get along with your appointment.

 

[LolaLola]

Hello Deb, Welcome here and the best of luck with your appointment. As well as thinking of your symptoms and history it would be useful for the Doctor if you can include any auto immune conditions in your family.

Any questions just ask, or maybe pop into Chat where you will get a lot of support.
x Lola

 

[MrsC]

So glad found you!

Thanks you all so much for the advice and support, its really appreciated.

I will def go done the immune system route with the doctor on Mon.

I think my family think I'm a hypo, and don't really know what to say. I find it difficult to explain why I feel so rubbish a lot of time. So its good to have people away from my family and friends to talk to.

Love to all!
Deb x