Lupus Support Group

Ok long story but I could really use some advice. So I had a knee surgery in 2005 and the fluid from my knee tested positive for RA but my blood work never did. Then one Dr. told me I might have lupus but the other 2 said no its Rheumatoid Arthritis. So that's what I was treating on and off for a few years(on and off because I have a very low tolerance for meds). So about 6 months ago it was discovered that I have stopped ovulating. I will now be starting fertility medications.

THEN I moved a couple weeks ago and my knee flared up, they drained 95 cc's of fluid and injected steroids. Since then, my face has been getting hot on and off. It gets a little red but one cheek gets hot. It feels hot to the touch and my temp goes up to about 99.8

All my Doctors cant figure out what is happening. Do you think I could have lupus instead of RA? Is heat on the face a symptom?

ALSO, I feel like RA is ok but lupus is a death sentence. Could I still live a normal life with lupus? Could I still get pregnant, have kids, work, travel and live to 70? Please be honest with me how this has affected your lives.

Thank you so much for anything you can offer me.

Hi and welcome to the group. Lupus is not a death sentence. I have been living with for 31 years and have a daughter who is now in college. Of course, lupus can be very different for each person. Autoimmune diseases can be hard to pin down sometimes. Especially if you have more then one. There isn't a cut and dry test for lupus. Your doctor needs to look at your whole medical history along with lab work. Not all doctors are educated enough about lupus. Many of us had to spend years waiting for a diagnoses. I am 47 and not planning on dying soon. Of course, I may get hit by a bus tomorrow.

I know reading about lupus can be scary. There are LOTS that could go wrong. But, with it being so different for each person, you will probably have just a few of them.

Alison

newsilva,I've had lupus for 25 years and am STILL asking that question! "Do I have Lupus?" There are many ups and downs involved with this disorder. So,hang in there and feel free to ask me,and the Group, ANY questions you may have. I'm still trying to figure out this whole internet/computer/typing thing,let alone the Lupus! LOL!(laughing out loud). Welcome to the group! Bryan P.S. I do have Lupus,and am finding out , just recently,other ailments as well(Sjorgens,Raynauds,Palindromic Arthritis, RA,etc.,etc.etc.etc.)

Post edited by: J3man, at: 02/03/2011 01:35 PM

Hi Newsilva10, getting a firm diagnosis with any autoimmune disease can be really difficult, and I'm so sorry your path to diagnosis is bumpy right now. How frustrating for you! I just posted this site on a different thread - it describes the diagnostic criteria docs

consider when they think of lupus. I hope it helps.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lupus/DS00115/ DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lupus/DS00115/ DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

Lupus can sometimes be a serious disease, but it manifests differently and the progression is different in all patients. As each case is so different, a person may have a sudden barrage or a progression of serious symptoms or damage, while another may have mild or no symptoms at times and have no or few complications. You may have to adapt your life to it - I certainly did - and your physical baseline may change, but it is NOT a death sentence.

I hope you will stay positive as you and your medical team search for anwers. And I hope you have a firm diagnosis soon. I'll be thinking of you. Plead keep us updated. All the best to you

Headstrong

P.S. If you want to know my story, and see how my life was affected, feel free to visit my blog http://headstrongwithlupus.blogspot.com

Newsilva10......welcome to this great site....I think these members here summed it up pretty good.....the only thing I will add is, don't give up....I was told that I had RA and was treated for that disease for 2 1/2 years until we found out it was Lupus that was 18 years ago and I am going on 53......so hang in there and keep strong.

Eva