Lupus?

[H2Ocolor]

I have had Sjogrens for 2 years now and have been having more and more skin problems lately.  Most of the problem is having all my skin feel so sensitive, like I have the flu and wearing wool.  I have been getting a flushing rash, up my arms and on any light colored skin.  I asked my Rheumy and my nephrologist if they had an idea what it was, and both said to go to a dermatologist.  I was flushed due to nerves at the dermatologist and as soon as he came in the room and saw me, he said I had Lupus.  Crap!  Can this be?  Sorry, but would like some feed back.  Thank you

[mshistory]

Sjogren's can cause skin rashes too. Did your dermatologist do a skin biopsy? I don't think lupus can be diagnosed by visual inspection of rashes alone.

[Joe S.]

Get it checked out. I first went to see the Rheumy because of this big red moth that covered my face. She said lupus. Blood tests came later and with no confirmation. Based on dry symptoms SICCA/Sjogren's was the Dx. Yes I believe you can have both since AI diseases tend to bring their friends.

[H2Ocolor]

Thank you for your replies.  The dermatologist is going to do a couple biopsies but that isn't for 6 weeks (he is booked up).  I will try to do some research in the mean time and try not to stress.  It is so nice to have you for support.

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

The treatment for lupus and Sjogren's is the same anyway. My first rheumy told me I had a lupus/Sjogren's overlap but called it Sjogren's going by symptoms. (The bloodwork was more indicative of lupus)

Last year I had a lip biopsy and was told I did not have Sjogren's - but I still have the symptoms. I have not been told I do not have lupus. I'm still on Plaquenil etc.

Take care - Scottie 

[eye2dry]

we seem to test almost weekly on a patient for  a suspected case of Lupus. they come to us for a "rash"
the dr.,  if he thinks it may be an AI disease may order labs.

with cutaneous Lupus we will do a punch biopsy for a diagnosis.

I have heard of an 18 year old boy diagnosed with systemic lupus.

eye2dry

[Madison Granny]

My Rheumy first told me at first that I had strong marker for both lupus and Sjogren's.  Some Rheumys might say I had lupus but he was going to go with Sjogren's because of my dryness issues.  Then he said it is possible to have both.

[susanep]

I wouldn't doubt many that have sjogren's especially if they have a lot of problems with having it that they have lupus too.

The second rhuemy, my current one was the one to find out I have lupus by doing more extensive blood work than the first did.

We  had bad weather, as in tornado warnings pass through us tonight, and now I am hurting in my muscles from my hips down. Those pressure changes.

I hope everyone else who may have been in the path of these storms are safe.

susanep

[H2Ocolor]

I have had some extensive blood work, SSA up to 1.9, pos. ANA (goes up and down), my C3 has dropped below normal, kidney function dropping, SED rate is a whopping 12 (this is my highest yet but the doc say I can't be sick with it that low) and C reactive protein at 1.9 (another highest yet for me, started at .5)  So as many of you know, our bodies can be doing weird things but the doctors have a different view of things.  I don't take meds, all of this scares me.  I am just trying to be as healthy as I can be with diet and exercise.  I think I am losing.  With the reading I did today, I don't see much difference between the Lupus and Sjogrens.  I do appreciate hearing form everyone.  Thank you :-)