I have read with interest the postings here and other sites. I am a fifty year old female who was diagnosed with lupus 9 years ago. The next year after diagnosis I went to a different doctor to make for sure the treatment I was receiving for the lupus was correct. Then, I moved last year and had to switch doctors. The "new" rheumatologist did some lab work and told me I did not have lupus. It seems funny that people are still searching for diagnosis and I had one and they now say I don't have one. I have had the skin rash, loss of hair, sores in my mouth, joint aches and pains that are migratory in nature, chest pain, and for a couple of months out of the year I have hematuria and protein in the urine. It is frustrating for me to have had the diagnosis for 8 years then be told it is not lupus. Anyone out there hada similar experience?

Rebecca: I would be hunting still another rheumatologist to go to. I would be thrilled if my doctor told me I no longer had Lupus; however, I would definitely go to another one and not tell him the whole story. I would let him do all the tests and then tell me what the diagnosis was.

I believe that the Lord sometimes heals and perhaps this is one of those times. I would not wait around; I would be going to another doctor to see if he found any signs of Lupus. It would be wonderful if you really didn't have it.

Best of Luck!

Irish

Thanks Irish for the reply. I talked to my PCP and she told me not to worry that I did have lupus. Funny...isn't it that we search for a diagnosis and are happy when we have one. I guess it is that we don't want to think it is in our heads. One year ago, I forgot to mention, I had the most god awful pain in my hand. Couldn't move the thumb. A doctor that saw the lack of movement in my hand and the swelling said it is lupus. I am not settling for any diagnosis but I feel the PCP would recommend the best. I have a follow up appointment with her coming up. I hope I will get some answers about the confusion of the diagnosis....or lack of.
Take care