Hi there. I am new here and new to the arena and possibility of lupus and have been looking for answers for some time now.
I am 24 years old and a mother of two. When I became pregnant with my first, I noticed a rosacia-like rash across my cheeks and the bridge of my nose. My wrists and knees became very achy. Fatigue also ensued, however when you are pregnant you expect this so I did not think anything of that. I also developed several small calcuim deposits under my skin in a few different areas on my body. After dismissing my skin issue as rosacea, I decided that while pg there was nothing that could be done.
After my son was born, I went to a dermatologist who suggested I have my ANA tested b.c she suspected lupus. I was terrified as we had just found out I was pregnant with our second son and decided I would rather just not know if there was something going on, so I ignored the lab order for another year. Thankfully I went to term with both my pregnancies and have two healthy children.
I recently decided to find out what is going on, as my symptoms have worsened.
Here are my symptoms to this point:
-Achy joints (mostly knees and wrists)
-Fatigue
-Chronic Anemia
-Malar-like rash on face
-Calcium deposits under skin
-Dry eyes
- Chest pain, worsens while exercising
- Strange numbness feeling in the back of my neck
- Poor circulation in hands, I often wake up with numb or tingling hands and my hands are ALWAYS cold
- Positive ANA test
I am wondering if there any other possible explanations for these symptoms? I have an appt. with a Rheumatologist in July but am very anxious for answers and info. Any input you may have is greatly appreciated. TIA!