In limbo - Lupus Message Board

mommedout · 11-20-2002, 02:51 PM

Hello all,
This is my first time here and was hoping for some advise or at least someone who has been there and got the t-shirt(hehe). I guess this all started with hair loss and a simple blood test. My doctor ( a god by the way ) wanted to look into my hair loss and came up with iron deficiency anemia. When talking about this with him it came up that I have a sever reaction to sunlight and he thought it would be good idea to look into an ANA test. Sure enough it came back positive but as he put it, on the low side if that makes any sense. When looking at the 11 criteria for SLE I can identify with 6. Here is where I am messed up: would the iron anemia be the cause of the fatigue, canker sores,stomach problems and joint pain and swelling. I was previously told by a different doctor that the stomach issues was probably IBS and that getting older does that to people ( I am 31) but I have no symptoms of IBS other than the pain. Honestly I haven't told my doctor about the other symptoms because I have been told it's all in my head for so long that it didn't occur to me to do so. I have an appointment with him next week to talk things over with him but not too sure what else I should be asking about or tested for. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

kookyinsomniac · 11-22-2002, 01:58 AM

i really hate that you are going through all this. i understand. i wish there was more help i could offer but i would hate to give false info. i do wish to tell you hon that i don't think it is all in your head and i feel every detail is important. it has to be right? if we can't trust the signals our own bodies give us then what can we trust? i have to believe that finally because if not i would be crazy with all th stuff that "is in my head" and there is plenty in mine i question already. any i wish you well and hope you get answers!

Ceya · 11-22-2002, 08:48 AM

Hi,
You sound alot like me. I have alot of your symptoms, but no problem with my hair falling out yet. I to am lowerside or borderline ana. No animia. Afer I went to the rhem. he has decided lupus because of the continuing of symptoms. I have recently been going to a gastrologist. They think it is IBS also. I do think that lupus has something to do with the stomach pain.
I was given a hystorectomy in June of this year to stop this pain. But it didn't help either and honestly I did not want to have a hystorecty. If is so difficult to tell what is what. I can't figure out what needs to go to the doctor or if it is just more symptoms.
Good luck keep us posted.
Ceya