What is Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic, potentially debilitating or fatal autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resul...
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Livedo Reticularis?
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I have been recently diagnosed with this. They did a biopsy on my leg to confirm it was Livedo Reticularis and the dermatologist ran my ANA. That came back ok?? He than sent me to a Rheumotologist.
I had my appt. last week and she ran w WHOLE bunch of bloodwork. I dont go back til the 24th of November for all of my results. The past 6 years have been HELL. I have always felt something was worng with me, but my docs have always blamed it on my Epstein Barr and than the labeled me with anxiety. So now everythign gets blamed on that. I have always had joint pain..not swelling. I feel like I am always tired and my body aches. Dont get me wrong I can make it through the day but I soooo look forward to going to bed at night. My arms and legs get tired easily. I started having dizzy spells, which than ( I believe) led to my panic attacks. I have a WHOLE bunch more symptoms.... but too many to go through. Last year I did however notice that I had what looked like a sunburn on my face. ( it was across the bridge of my nose) it was just red. I dont believe it was hot or burned. it wasnt itchy or anything. actually didnt bother me at all. I just noticed it. But I tend to advoid docs b/c of the whole anxiety issue. It was now that my hemotologist noticed my Livedo Reticularis and she took it from there. Sorry so long. I know there can be a number of things worng with me. I just dont know where to start. Any added information woyld be helpful. Thanks, Tara Posted on 11/04/09, 03:11 pm |
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Hi Tara,
What are you seeing a hematologist for? I ask because I have APS which is also an auto-immune disease which is almost identical, symptom wise as lupus. I also have levido reticulus and raynauds. Both of these disorders can go hand in hand with a mixed connective tissue disease. If you havent been tested for APS, I would highly recommend it. If you are seeing a hemo because you have APS then this could be what is causing all your symptoms. Its hard to say whether you have lupus because you could have UCTD (undifferentiated mixed connective tissue disease) which is auto-immune and has very similar symptoms as lupus but is not lupus (can develope into it though sometimes). There is treatment for a mixed connective tissue disease which is similar to the treatment for lupus. The best thing to do is wait to see what your blood work shows. Although, its not always accurate. If you have inflamation going on from an auto-immune disease something blood wise will be abnormal. Also, just so you know, epstein barr virus can cause very similar symptoms as lupus as well. It can be a very debilitating health problem. I had this when I was a teenager and in my early 20's. The EBV could have triggered an auto immune disease though. You have taken the proper steps by seeing a rheumy. Hopefully, they will figure out what is going on and help you. I have had panic disorder since I was a kid. Horrible...Are you on meds for them? Sometimes, auto immune diseases can make the panic attacks worse. Your not crazy. Totally understand how dr.s make you feel like you are mental which is whats causing your problems. Its easy for them to blame everything on anxiety, panic attacks, depression. Usually its not the case and is exacerbated by some other problem. Welcome to the group and keep us posted. Dont go crazy googling about lupus since you dont know what your tests show yet. Doing this can cause more anxiety/panic attacks which is horrible for anyone with auto immune diseases. Sorry this may be jumbled. Im trying to type this and feed my toddler at the same time. 
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PS- Its good that your ANA came back negative. But ANA's arent always accurate. A combination of all the other blood results plus your symptoms is what a good rheumy goes by. Some people can be very sick from lupus and have a negative ANA. Others can have a positive ANA and be perfectly healthy. It can also be elevated from virus's or infections. Just try to stick it out and not worry yourself sick until you see the rheumy again. Stress is not good for anyone.
hugs
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I am actually seeing the Hemo b/c I have whats called "Von WilleBrands Disease" its a blood disorder where u dont produce enough of a certain protein to clot. She spotted the Livedo and had asked me if I had lupus??? Thats when she sent me to other docs.
The Rheumie that i saw seemed really nice. She said she was doing an exstensive bllod panel. (10 viles of blood) so that made me feel better. I was kinda worried she was gonna blow me off. I have had EBV since I was 17. It reactivates on me!!!! I will do no more searching b/c u r right I will drive myself crazy. I still have 3 more weeks left!! Thanks for repsonding...I appreciate it.
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