Hi there,

I posted here once over a week ago......you can scroll down and see my original post if you'd like. I had been battling with whether or not to call the dr. for quite some time. I have been putting it off because I feel like I have so many complaints that I come off as a hypochondriac. Anyway, I guess it was a blessing in disguise that I stepped on a nail last week and had to go immediatley to my doc for a tetanis (sp?) shot. When I mentioned my rash to her, she wanted to do bloodwork since it was similar to the lupus rash. My results just came back as 1:160 and I'm seeing a specialist next week.

I'm hoping someone can help me with an immediate concern. Lately (last few weeks)I've been having alot of headaches. Nothing extremely painful, just uncomfortable, similar to a tension headache. However, over the last week, I've been getting very sharp shooting pains in the same spot......back, right side of head. At first I noticed these only occassionally, like maybe two or three times a day. For the last 2 days it seems like they come as often as every 10 minutes at times. The pain is so bad that if it lasted longer than a few seconds it would be unbearable.

Could this have anything to do with lupus, or is it likely totally seperate? I've never even had a migraine in my life, so I'm quite unfamiliar with this and it has me really worried. Should I wait and mention it at my appointment next week?

Thanks for any insight you can offer!

Hello Danyale!

I replied to your previous post too http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I figured that your ANA would be positive with the symptoms that you described before. I hope that they can get you figured out soon!

As for the headaches, that concerns me. There is a blood clotting disorder called Antiphospholipid Syndrome that goes with Lupus that can cause migraines/headaches, strokes, TIA's (trans-ischemic attacks or mini strokes), miscarraiges, circulatory problems etc. It can be quite awful if it is missed or misdiagnosed. Sometimes doctors try and tell the patient that they have MS! It is often confused for it though. Also, there is CNS Lupus which affects the Central Nervous System. That is something that goes with Lupus that isn't fun too. I hope that your doctor tests you for Antiphospholipid Syndrome- sometimes the treatment can be just a baby asprin a day in less severe cases! I take warfarin for mine to keep my blood thin, I have had a couple of strokes though. Please go back to your doctor- you are not a hypercondriac!! It is important that he test you for the anticardiolipin and the Lupus anticoagulant. It isn't that common- but the word needs to get out about it!! Hope you feel better soon http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

~Angelic

Danyale,
Listen to Angelic. I too, have the antiphospholipid Syndrome, many times is goes along with lupus. I have the very brief, but intense headaches you are mentioning. They last about 10 seconds, but they can be brutal! Mine are in my left temporal lobe (by the ear). I too, have had clots, in my heart and just recently, in my brain. Please don't ignore these headaches. It may be nothing at all, but check it out for peace of mind. APS is dicovered through bloodtests.

Thanks so much to both of you! Your posts are very informative and I'll be sure to talk to the doctor about this next week. I guess until then I'll just monitor the headaches and if they get worse or more frequent I'll just call before my visit.

Thanks again!

I am recovering from Viral Menegitis. I have Lupus. They are now doing some nuero tests. I recently had an MRI, but to be honest. I don't know what there looking for.
I still have been having terrible headaches, with ringing in my ears, light headness, as well as vomitting.
If this sounds like something that one of have read something on, or might have any suggestions, please feel free to respond to my posting.

Also, have you ever heard of anyone someone with Lupus, getting Menegitis?
Thank you,
Laurie :-)

I am recovering from Viral Menegitis. I have Lupus. They are now doing some nuero tests. I recently had an MRI, but to be honest. I don't know what there looking for.
I still have been having terrible headaches, with ringing in my ears, light headness, as well as vomitting.
If this sounds like something that one of have read something on, or might have any suggestions, please feel free to respond to my posting.

Also, have you ever heard of anyone someone with Lupus, getting Menegitis?
Thank you,
Laurie :-)

Hi laurie - I got the Meningitis first, at age 16. Have had problems on and off since. Recently diagnosed with lupus (skin rash, muscle aches/fatigue, eye problems, raynauds, brain fog, purple blotchy skin etc etc etc!) the only thing is nothings coming back in my blood tests...all coming back normal. might wait until after this flare is over (3 weeks now) and then re-do tests.

I have heard that meningitis can happen with lupus, I'm not sure how it's related though.

Really hope you are feeling better soon,

:angel: Gina

Hey Laurie and Gina,

I do know that there is a link between meningitis and Lupus. You see, meningitis is basically the swelling of the outside of the "meninges" in the brain. The cause of it can be benign, meaning that it can occur on its own. It can also be caused by many different diseases, Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome can be main causes. Pretty much anything with an "itis" behind it can relate to Lupus if someone has the other symptoms associated and also the blood work. In some cases though, blood work can be negative and Lupus can still be part of the equation! Very interesting hey?

Gina, I think you asked me what I do for a living.. I have worked in the medical field in the past and continue to but i am on sick leave. I am very smart because I have really educated myself so taht I can help everyone out here suffering like I am! Hope that you guys are feeling better.. take care and I enjoy answering your questions!

~Angelic