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.
I have been struggling with numerous Lupus-like symptoms for 2 1/2 years: joint pain, muscle pain, brain fog, dry mouth eyes & nose, mouth & nose sores, hair loss, dry skin, sensitive to light, fatigue, shortness of breath and severe reaction to bug bites just to name a few. I had various tests done about a year ago at the Rheumy, all negative. He said that since my ANA was normal, I couldn’t have Lupus. Now this week, I ended up in the hospital with severe chest wall pain out of nowhere and was told it’s most likely Costochondritis. After some research, I discovered that many Lupus sufferers have this. So another symptom of Lupus for me. Should I go back to my Rheumy and get retested? Am I crazy? The pain from the Costochondritis is debilitating and I don’t know how to live like this with no help or relief.
I hope you find some relief
Beth
For a few years i was testing negative but had the symptoms u describe.
Then bam, 3 years ago pos ANA and AntiCcp. So just because ur not testinf pos yet doesn't mean ur not.
Its a frustrating thing to diagnose, horrible to live with as it is, but to not have definitive answers sux, the daily pain is relentless.