I have been wondering what on earth could be wrong with me? I have these symptoms, well, and then I don't. I sometimes wonder if I am going nuts. It is getting worse lately, though. I have this rash on my eyelids. It itches, burns, flakes and gets worse in the sun. Sometimes it doesn't bother me at all, but it is always red above my eyelids and also my eyelids. I itch when I get in the sun and get a rash. I get these chest pains right in the middle of my chest and lately have been having problems breathing; but not always. I get burning sensations, which hurt, on the left and right side of my chest. I get sores, really painful, in my nose and my eyes get dry...but not all the time. I have sore throats, but no fever. My knees have really started to hurt when I go up stairs, get out of chairs, ect. That pretty much stays with me. Lately, my knuckles on my hands are painful and hard to move. A couple look different. My wrist has started to ache. I have frequently been waking up with a horrible stiff neck that doesn't ease up very quickly. And my back also aches. Occasionally, I feel nauseated and dizzy. Oh yeh, and sometimes I feel soooooooooo tired!!!!! Other times, I feel I could run a thousand mile race! I can't remember things either. I have been doing that for a while. It has turned into a joke at my house, but, I am really afraid I am going to forget something really important. I write notes all over the place!!! I have a very painful heel. I used to jog, but had to quit all together. I have bad headaches often. The strangest thing though was these purple line of bruises I got on each of my hips while I was laying on the ground trying to help my husband figure out what was wrong with our car(I was LOTS of help, ha, ha). I evidentily bruised from laying on the ground!! Anyway, I guess I am actually afraid to find out if anything IS wrong. It is so strange that I feel ok sometimes, actually great. Could I still have lupus or something???? I am also afraid things might get worse. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
Have you been to see a doctor? You should go get checked out. It is a scary thing to do, but you'll be happier when you find out. I wasn't diagnosed with lupus, but when I thought I might have it, I went to a rheumatologist and it turned out it was something else.
Thanks, Cleo68. I have been to an eye doctor and thought while I was there I would mention the problem with my eyelids and eyes. He gave me a cream called Triamcinolone Acetonide. It has helped with the burning, but they still are red and eyelids are always swollen. I need to go back, but not sure if I should go there or doctor, or what. Do you have to have a referral for a Rheumatologist? I don't have a lot of faith in doctors(maybe that is my problem). Our doctor kept giving my oldest daughter antibiotics for a positive strep throat test each time. She was normal and NOT sick. I did reasearch of my own, and with the doctor suggesting a FIFTH round of antibiotics, I clued her in on the "strep throat carrier" thing. She had never heard of that, so.......... anyway. Not sure where to go next!!!!!!!!!!
If you'e concerned about lupus, you should see a rheumatologist. As far as referrals, that would probably depend on your insurance company. I just asked my primary care to give me one. My primary care looked at me and laughed when I mentioned lupus, which was ridiculous. The rheumatologist says I don't have it, but that's only after I requested ANA and other blood work to be sure. He's diagnosed me with 'myofascial pain syndrom'. It's basically where my neck and shoulder muscles get so tight and stay that way instead of relaxing. The pain isn't so bad, but when the nerves get 'entraped', that part hurts. Anyway, I'd ask to see a rheumatologist. Good luck.
Darlray,
I agree with everyone else, as scary as "finding out" what is wrong, not knowing and letting our mind make the worst of a situation is usually even scarier. A simple blood test and urine test can start to shed some light. It's a much easier disease to treat before it progresses to "worse" things.
It can be managed, you can live a fairly normal life with some adjustments, and it's far from being a death sentence as long as you take care of yourself.
Do yourself a favor and call the doctor - it will ease your mind in the end.
Afraid to find out 
