Medical Questions > Conditions and Diseases > Lupus Forum

FMS diagnosis wrong ?

Must Read
Autoimmune Disorder Basics
Learn the basics about autoimmune disorders, including risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. ...
Read more >>
Autoimmune Disorder Risks
Learn about risk factors to developing an autoimmune disorder. ...
Read more >>
Autoimmune Disorder Screening
Learn about screening and diagnosis options available for autoimmune disorders....
Read more >>
Conditions and Diseases
Diabetes diagnosis?
Chest X-ray after diagnosis of COPD/Emph...
No diagnosis
Lupus
SLE diagnosis ?
SLE diagnosis ?
Lupus misdiagnosis ?
Related Topics
Undergoing diagnosis
Is My Diagnosis Correct
Is H-pylori not the right diagnosis?
User Profile
August 26th, 2010
I was diagnosed with FMS 7 years ago, however my sypmtoms seem more like SLE to me, but none of the doctors will listen and blame everything on fibromyalgia.I get severe headaches/miagraines,body and joint aching(especially in knees and feet),my skin on my face has got 'pimply' almost like a fine rash,flu-like feelings most days,chronic fatigue,unrestful sleep even after hours and hours,chest pain(on chest between breasts),hair falling out-not in clumps but falls out constantly,red spots on chest,nausea,depression(which i had before illness but has gotten worse)severe foot pain to point where I cannot walk,stomach cramps,dry and gritty eyes,loss of appetite but major weight gain(almost 50 kgs in 6 months),heartburn,hot and cold sweats,sometimes severe sweating.I also get pnumonia/chest infections a lot.hand/feet swelling.I have had all the blood/scans possible and the only thing that shows is elevated CRP and ESR levels.Could I have been misdiagnosed?And if so where do I go now?


Did you find this post helpful?
First Helper User Profile DoctorQuestion
|
User Profile
replied August 30th, 2010
Lupus Answer A15795
Hi, welcome to the ehealth forum and I am glad to help you.
You seem concerned if the symptoms you have are of lupus and wrongly attributed to Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which tissues and cells undergo damage mediated by tissue binding autoantibodies and it affects the various systems in the body. The diagnosis of lupus is based on clinical features and autoantibodies. Some criteria having 11 components have been devised which is commonly followed and if patient has any 4 of these during the course of disease, the diagnosis of SLE is likely but not definite of course.
ANA are positive in >95% of patients during the course of illness but if you get repeated negative tests, it suggests that the diagnosis is not SLE. ANA negative lupus exists but is very rare and is usually associated with other autoantibodies (anti-Ro or anti-DNA).
You can get ANA repeated and keep follow up with your rheumatologist for other tests to reach definitive diagnosis in your case.
Hope this helps. Take care.
Note: This post is not to emphasise final diagnosis as the same cannot be made online and is aimed just to provide medical information and no treatment suggested above be taken without face to face consultation with health care professional.




|
Did you find this post helpful?
Sign up for FREE weekly health tips!
... Saving
Ask a doctor

eHealthPedia Articles
Autoimmune Disorder Basics
Autoimmune Disorder Risks
Autoimmune Disorder Screening
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Lupus , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.