Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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Back Pain?

deleted_user
deleted_user
Ok...it's me again. The basket case! I've been reading through some of the discussions here and came across one that mentioned back pain. I didn't think that would be a Lupus symptom because it's not really a joint, but maybe it is. I've been having lower back pain for about a year. I blamed it on a new exercise that I tried back then. I figured I did the exercise wrong & pulled something. It only bothers me when I stand for a long time or when I go walking without stretching very, very well. It quits hurting when I sit and also if I use Bio-freeze and take Advil. Could this be Lupus related?

I've also been reading some of the discussions on holistic treatments. Has anyone had any luck using that avenue of treatment? I know someone that recommended a holistic doctor who trained in Gremany. She is a cancer survivor and claims that she wouldn't be here today if it weren't for him. Any one have any advice on the holistic approach?

I'm not even certain that I have Lupus yet but the more I read, the more I can relate to some of the symptoms. A doctor once told me that I have Epstein-Barr antibodies that showed up in my blood work. He wasn't concerned but now I'm reading that it could be related to Lupus.
Another symptom that I've been having is the flutering heart. The only way I can describe it is that it feels like all the air is being sucked out of my lungs and if I take a deep breath, it quits. I've had an EKG done & nothing showed up.

Oh, one more thing I just remembered my doc telling me is that the number that indicates Rheumatic Fever (ASO?) was 232 when it should be less than 200. She said that I must have had an untreated strep infection but I can't recall ever being sick like that & not getting an antibiotic. She didn't seem concerned but said that she would do another EKG and maybe and Echo cardiogram the next time I was in the office.

All of these crazy symptoms that I'm recalling or experiencing now...could they all be Lupus? I have to wait a whole month to find out. So, you're going to be listening to my crazy questions until then! I Hope you don't mind!

Jennifer
deleted_user
deleted_user
These symptoms don't sound like Lupus to me. The EBV I had several years before the Lupus was triggered. I have many back issues, but none are related to Lupus, mostly muscle pain from Fibro and disk problems. I am seeing a Acupuncturist and she has really managed to eliminate a great deal of the back pain. Hope you find the answers you are seeking.
MToennis
MToennis
I have had back pain for years from a spinal anesthesia gone bad, but since the onset of MCTD with Lupus, I have pain of a different kind. Not when I move or stand, but when you touch my lower back muscles the pain starts and radiates out lasting 30 sec to a min. Sometimes it is so excrutiating it wakes me up and takes my breath away. Then it is gone. Your pain sounds more like the typical back pain many people have. You might want to try a chiropractor and see if that would help. Many people with Lupus have Epstein Barr, but many people with Epstein Barr dont have Lupus. Also, Rheumatic fever is not from Lupus, but can cause arthritic pain and mitral heart valve problems that can cause you to feel your heart Fluttering. The tests your doctor described will diagnose that if a valve problem is present. Good Luck/
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Jennifer! I'm new to the site and your my first posting. Lupus normally does not attack the spine but it can attack the spinal cord nerves. Causing an inflamation to the nerves which then causes pain. Had the heart fluttering thing many times over. Long term prednisone use can also cause spine problems with osteosporsis. Degenerative arthritis also!I have lupus and developed both and just recently had spinal fusion surgery because of simular symptoms. They found spinal stenosis. Having lupus I was getting misdiagnosed for lupus problems and yet it was a total different problem. A CT Mylegram would be able to tell if there was a spinal problem and EMG too would tell nerve damage. Hope this helps!
Kelly
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