I have had a problem with extreme fatigue for years. Years back diagnosed with depression and that all was solved. Then came hypothyroid issues but I thought ok, treat it and I would feel better. Not really. See endocrinologist regularly to manage thyroid levels, nodules, etc. Medication adjustments made. Still never really felt better. Always dragging, tired, no energy. Over the years I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and CPAP helped a little with the fatigue. Just a little. Several weeks ago, I ran a low grade temp and got achy joints. Hips, knees, shoulders, felt like I had worked out hard and was really uncomfortable. I could hardly move unless I stayed dosed up with Motrin. Then I also broke out in a rash on my arms and legs after sitting outside one day reading for awhile. Started having headaches more frequently. Some stomach upset. Was tested for tick diseases and all was negative. Antibiotics started just in case. No improvement so I went back and had more labs, ANA was positive, CRP elevated, high platelets, had biopsy of rash. Came back granulomas dermatitis something like that. Want me to go to dermatologist but the joints are a bigger deal to me. So I requested rheumatologist. Just seems like hard to find answers. Been on a round of prednisone and felt better, rash improved, joint pain improved, more energy. Finished script and now 36 hours or so later starting to ache again. Wondered if any similar stories. Niece with celiac and several family members with rheumatoid arthritis. Help. Missy
Bless your heart....sounds like it might be Lupus to me, but go back to your Rheumatologist for follow up! RA runs on both sides of my family and I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus 10 years ago. My prayers are with you....hugs!
Lori
I'm glad you are going to a rheumatologist. That will be the best thing to do now. I went thru all that you have for years and years until I was finally diagnosed with lupus. I already had been diagnosed with OA and fibromyalgia and sjorgren's. Hopefully you will be able to have whatever it is under control somewhat so that you do feel better. Best of luck.
Stay strong…write it down…demand to see rhumy again …if not…mail that list to him…get back on predisone…ask for more…good luck…its all about your quality of life…
Yes best thing to do Is Follow and document all symptoms. I kept a daily journal for my doc to see what worked and what didn’t and it helped my new doctor finally diagnose me. Good luck and stay strong! Rest as much as possible. I have a hard time going slow when I have a flare and start feeling better because of the prednisone. But tell yourself to rest anyways!
Missy, I have similar story, chronic fatigue since teenage years, hypothyroidism age 20, diagnosed with "fibromyalgia" IBS in my 20's, arthritis 20's, 30's 40's, diagnosed with celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, which is allergy to gluten, depression, ADHD, Mixed connective tissue disease, sjogrens' lupus, never feel good, prednisone as needed helps me and I couldn't do without plaquenil. good luck, Mo
I sure hope they tapered you off the prednisone. I too suffer, as do most of us. I never saw a rheumatologistuntil 3 years ago. It was always internal medicine doctors. I do hope you get the comfort and help you need to get through this. Best of wishes.
Hi!! Well there is so much that comes with this Lupus stuff-smile. It is very hard to diagnose Lupus because it mimic or diseases. So just wait and rest as much as possible is the key to this…Beverly L.
good luck, going thru the same thing, diagnosed borderline lupus, possibly sjogrens but not being treated, been sick 10 years or more, still no answers, sounds like you have gotten further than me, i dont want to have any of it, i just want to know what i have and be treated and feel better, only answer i have is fibromyalgia, find out more in june if even then, hope we both find something soon.