[drobbins]

Hi, I just found this site and in the past year I have had osteoarthritis in my lower back, sciatic nerve and upper spine. I have recently experienced patchy bald spots on the sides of my scalp that keep getting bigger at alarming rate, I have tested positive for low platelets, (40,000) whatever that means. I don't have a rash on my face but people are always saying why is your neck and chest so red? Doctor hasn't mentioned Lupus...should I mention it to him?
Thanks,
Donna

 

[helloos]

Hi there and welcome to the site.

It is a great place for information and many friendly people here.

I am wondering if you are being seen by a rhemotologist for your spine and other issues?

A rhemotologist would be the one to test for autoimmune disease. Did they every suggest why your blood is low?

You can read the criteria for Lupus and its symptoms and see if you have similar symptoms.

I think if you do have a lot of the symptoms it would be worth getting in to see a rhemotologist and maybe just ask your gp about it.

Nice to meet you.

 

[halfpintfl]

Hi Donna, Since you are asking about all things that involve your skin, and scalp, I would suggest that your first move would be to get a referral to see a Dermatologist.
Are you thinking Lupus? If so, why? What are your symptoms? Anyway, a very warm welcome to this great site.:wink2: ​

 

[raggedyann1]

Hi Donna,

Welcome to the Lupus Site. At the top of the Not Yet Diagnosed forum is a post with the lists of Symptoms, Criteria and another post on Alternative Criteria. You may want to read that over and see if anything rings a bell.

The large platelet count sounds like another condition but I am not remember the name right now. Is your doctor sending you to a specialist for further investigation? I would suggest asking for an immediate referral to a Dermatologist to investigate the skin problems you are experiencing. I do NOT suggest mentioning possible lupus to any doctor. Doctors do not like patients who self-diagnose and can go on a power trip with the patient, only slowly testing the direction the patient thinks should be done.

Let us know how things go.

Take care,
Karen

 

[Primrose1960]

Bald patces

Hi Donna and welcome,

High platelets and low platelets can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
I also have bald patches like you and know how distressing it can be, I was diagnosed by a dermatologist with a skin biopsy of the scalp as having Discod Lupus, I am waiting for my apointment in April to see a rheumatologist about all the other aches and pains I have.

There is never a day goes by that I dont have pain in one part of my body or other. Although the pain is not unbearable it is always there either fingers, elbows, ankles, ribs, neck and back. Some days the pain will take a holiday from one part of my body but will move onto another more interesting destination.

I am on Plaquinil(anti malaria) for the bald patches, I have been taking the tablets for two months with little change. Although I did have a couple of pain free days last week and thought it was because of the plaquinil but am a bit achy again today.

Make sure you push your doctor for a specialist consultant, start with a dermatologist first.

Best of luck with your research of this mystery disease.

Primrose