I am new at this board

[Soni]

I had some blood test taken last week to see if I had arthritis and yesterday the doctor told me I was borderline lupus. I am totally lost on this lupus subject. I know that I don't get rashes yet except for this spot that has been getting bigger on my cheekbone, I thought it was an age spot but I am just 41 years old and I have had it for at least 5 years does anyone think that is becasue of the borderline lupus. When I found out I am borderline lupus I called my mother and she told me that my aunt has had lupus for 50 years. I also have headaches quite often and I also have migranes. My joints in my hands have started feeling tight and swollen and my kness have been hurting for at least 2 months. I have made myself an appointment with a specialist about the lupus. My regular MD acted like it was no big deal to be borderline lupus. Am I stupid to be concerned enough to make myself an appointment with a specialist to deal with the lupus. I also have high blood presssure and sometimes it gets up to 130/150. If someone would give me your opinion on this subject please feel free to let me know what you think and how you feel.
Thank You,
Soni Gordon
Claremore, Oklahoma

[Ann S]

Soni,



Just wanted to respond (even tho I don't feel like the board expert) so you didn't feel you're being ignored. Sometimes it can take a few days to get a response because people are experiencing a flare, or are just too tired to think or type, so please be patient with us. I've never experienced head aches as a regular symptom, but that doesn't mean it isn't one...see what the others say.



I do think it's a good idea to go to a specialist!!!! I am curious as to how your dr. came to the dx of borderline Lupus. What tests did he run? Ask for copies, keep one for yourself, and take a copy of them to the specialist. Take care and keep us updated, Ann

[This message has been edited by Ann S (edited 03-17-2001).]

[BJMILLERJB]

I'm with Ann! Hopefully Jeri will post to you soon as she seems to have so much knowledge and information about lupus. If you got the dx that has lupus in it at all whether it is borderline or not I would definfinitely see a specialist. Its not worth risking your health. I have another friend who I just found out yesterday is in the early stages of lupus (funny things you find out once you start talking to people-she heard from a mutual friend I was being tested and then told me this about herself) and she told me her mother also had lupus. Unfortunately in her case it took her having several strokes and kidney problems before she was finally diagnosed. From the little I understand about this disease the quicker you can stop/slow the progression the better. I am still trying to find out if this is what I have. So far the only thing I have to go on is a positive ANA screen and lots of symptoms including joint pain and memory problems. ANYWAY I had to force the issue a bit but I am seeing a specialist next month so maybe I will get some answers! Good Luck to you and keep us posted. (ANN I think you are a wealth of information too but you already responded!)

Jeannie M

[Soni]

Dear Ann & Jeanine,
Thank you so much for both of your imputs. I don't know if I mentioned this in my posting but the test they ran were blood test and what they were for was arthritis. I go to the specialits Wednesday March 21st which is also my son Shawn's 4th birthday. I know that his birthday has nothing to do with the specialist visit, but I get excited when it is my childrens birthdays(sounds silly doesn't it?). I will keep eveyone posted on my doctor visith Wednesday. Thank you both and take care.
Soni

[BJMILLERJB]

soni, thats exactly what i thought was wrong....i figured it was arthritis, which it may be rheumatoid arthritis we'll see. lupus never occured to me as i had no idea joint pain was involved. we'll see.....let us know what happens and happy early bday to your son!

jeannie m