Hi,
i really hope to hear from anyone that might understand my symptoms and share their stories. I am a 38 year old female with 4 kids, non smoker & in good health until in jan/06, I went to mexico for 1 week. Upon returning I felt exhausted and had lots of bouts of heartburn (something I never get) & trouble swallowing. I was having aches and discomfort throughout my whole body that I thought was the flu. It seemed that every organ in my body took a turn at being swollen and achy as well as a feeling of what I might imagine arthritis might feel like. I had to use a heating pad every day whenever possible for 2 months. I also had chest pain and a sensation of a racing heart. A cardiologist said my heart is fine, however and echocardiogram shows a small to trace amount of pericardial effusion and a blood test came back positive for the ana antibody. Now the tingling sensation and pains are running down my arms and back of my legs and I feel aches in my hips. I also feel worn out easily and lightheaded quite a bit. Lupus? Help!