You may have symptoms of Low Platelet Count and not yet realize what is going on or what is behind it. If you are unknowingly suffering from this condition it is important to learn the facts to get treatment as soon as possible.
What Are Platelets:
Platelets are the cells in your blood stream that promote clotting. They need to exist in large numbers and if these fall below a certain level (the accepted range for blood platelets is around 150,000 to 450,000) than clotting time becomes longer and this can cause all kinds of health issues.
The obvious risks are during times of injury or trauma, but there are also unseen risks were excessive bleeding can become a serious issue. Our bodies are amazing. Bone marrow is responsible for platelet production and platelets last around 7-10 days before they need to be replaced with new ones.
Symptoms Of Low Platelets:
Every day activities may have to be curtailed because of having low platelets. Bleeding gums is a common sign and this causes brushing one's teeth to become a challenge. Unstoppable bleeding from minor cuts, abnormal menstrual flow, blood in stool or urine, unexplained bruising or tiny spots on the skin are all symptoms pointing to the problem of not having enough platelets.
Possible Causes:
So you are asking "what causes low platelet count in the first place?" There are many know factors that can cause or at least contribute to this blood disorder.
* Side effects from medications for treating other illnesses can be a destruction of platelets faster than the body can produce them, even Asprin can upset production causing the blood to thin and platelet levels to drop.
* Leukemia and autoimmune disorders can result in lower counts. The spleen is responsible to remove old platelets from the blood stream but can be responsible for removing them to early, faster than the bone marrow can produce them. This can be a consequence of an autoimmune disorder. Many time doctors recommend spleen removal to correct this.
* Often the platelet balance is upset or damaged by things we eat or don't eat or even our life style. Nutritional deficiencies, smoking, excessive drinking and food allergies to name a few. Many times counts can be greatly improved by eliminating the day to day factors and improving one's life style.
Low platelet count can be a manifestation of any of the above or a combination of them.
Treatment Options:
The first and most important thing if you suspect Low Platelet Count is to see a doctor. I know this seems obvious but you would be surprised how many people stall this off out of fear or just not taking things seriously enough. The tests and advice received all contribute to making an informed decision in treatment methods.
By seeing a doctor as early as possible you will give yourself a larger window to try more non-invasive treatments to turn things around instead of waiting until things are in emergency status and powerful drugs or surgery are your only options.
Don't under estimate the value of natural treatment methods. These can go a long way in helping avoid the more drastic medical procedures and can even assist you to wean off of prescription medications if you are all ready taking them.
Tags: lupus diagnosis and treatment, what is low platelet count symptoms causes and treatment options 3
Was I misdiagnose? lupus or weak immune system?
8 months ago while I was pregnant, I was diagnose with lupus. But the only symptoms that I am experiencing is joints pain and fatique some times. My doctor said that all of my organs are fine, I do not have a butterfly face neither skin problem. I wonder if the diagnosis was wrong.
Does a weak immune system can cause thoses symptoms? I refuse to go on hormones treatments and trying to work on strenghtening my immune system first and hopefully reverse the condition.
your experience and advise are welcome
lupus is many stages ,and there is discoid and systemic lupus ,the immune system isnt weak in lupus its reacting in a way damaging the body and causing problems and inflammations ,if your diagnosis wasnt correct or u doubt it ,get a second opinion from a rheumatologist ,diagnosing lupus isnt easy in early stages and once diagnosed many go through remissions and relapse ,
I need help editing my research paper. I’m really bad at papers…..please help!?
Well, its on lupus. I have the intro and two body paragraphs, and I still need to do the conclusion. So, I was wondering what I should change on my paper, and what I need to add..? I also have to do a powerpoint based on the paper, that should last a minimum of 5 minutes up to 15.
The reason why I chose this topic was because my dad has lupus, and I wanted to know more about the topic. He was diagnosed with lupus when he was about fourteen years old. He still receives treatment for it by going in for blood tests and taking medication He has the most common form of lupus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), in which causes the antibodies to react against his own normal tissue. He has arthritis and joint problems, but nothings wrong with his internal organs. To support my dad and other lupus survivors, my family and I all go to the lupus walk in honor of remembering the people who had lupus that died. The things the audience can expect to read in this paper are the different types of lupus, the symptoms, the treatment and cures.
Lupus is the result of an unbalanced immune system that can be destructive to any organ in the body. It can be categorized into three groups: discoid lupus Erythematosus, systemic lupus Erythematosus, and drug-induced systemic lupus Erythematosus. DLE is always limited to the skin and is identified by a rash that may appear on the face, neck, and scalp. It can evolve into the systemic form, which can affect any organ or system of the body. Systemic lupus Erythematosus is more severe than discoid lupus and can affect almost any organ or organ system of the body. No two people with SLE will have identical symptoms. Drug-induced systemic Lupus Erythematosus occurs after the use of certain prescribed drugs. It is more common in men, because the drugs are given to them more often.
Lupus is hard to diagnose because it has a wide range of symptoms involving various parts of the body; and symptoms differ from each person. Most people develop painful joints and a rash, but lupus may also cause fatigue, depressions, and kidney problems. The treatment of lupus varies from person to person because each person has different symptoms. Most people with SLE require a regular blood test to check for lupus flares. Medication is the primary medical treatment for lupus. Presently, there are no other methods available to treat lupus because there is nothing else that can have the necessary impact on the immune system. Currently, there is no cure for lupus, but with early diagnosis and proper medical treatment it can significantly help control the disease.
thanks. it would be much appreciated!!!!
Could I be misdiagnosed with sjogren’s syndrome?
I am 20 years old. Hair loss, joint pain, easy bruising, weight loss, positive ANA, had been anemic(resolved), had thyroid problems(resolved), swollen lymph nodes, very very tired, and I overall feel bad. Two more nodes have swollen on the side of my neck; they don’t hurt just feel swollen. I have also had pain in the back of my sides a little below my ribs, but I did not discuss it with the new doctor. My primary physician took tests and after a while she diagnosed me with Lupus. She said I needed a Rheumatologist for treatment. I decided to move shortly after and never went to the referral appointment. So, I found a Primary physcian to refer me to a rheumatologist in my new state. The new doctor does not have my medical records or results from previous tests. He ran some tests and consulted the rheumatologist, then told me I have sjogrens syndrome. He said that I do not fit the classical definition of Sjogren’s, but i have it. I have no dryness, which I understand to be a hallmark of the disease. I would like someone’s opinion who has experience with this disease. I’m not sure what I have, and yet this new doctor has prescribed prednisone and plaquenil for treatment. Should I get a second opinion? Which doctor seems to be on the right track, my previous dr. or the new one? These diseases seem to be very tricky so, not all doctors are experienced with the diagnosis. Please, I am looking for honest opinions and a little bit of help. I will appreciate your helpful advice and comments. I would to like to know exactly what I have and how to best care for it. Your input will hopefully help me find the right answers. Thank you and have a wonderful day.
I can feel your pain, I have gone through all of those test and to this day my primary doctor has no answer for me. So I started reading all kind of books regarding autoimmune syndrome and found out that I am a carrier of Lupus, however, I do not have lupus. So I avoid my nightshade fruits and vegetables:
None of the following foods do I consume:
1. eggplant
2. potatoes (except for yams)
3. tomatoes
4. all peppers (green, yellow, orange or jalapeno)
All of the above list I love to eat so I try not to eat them due to the pain and aches my body put me through.
Yes, I would suggest you obtain another opinion. I hope this is helpful to you. Best of luck. Try going to some support meeting for Lupus/Fibromyalgia groups they are in every state.
What causes a person to be sensitive to barometric joint pain?
I am a 25 year old female and have had varying degrees of joint pain that coincides with barometric pressure changes—either from humidity and summer storms or when it gets extremely cold. I am wondering if this a normal reaction in a healthy young adult or if I could be showing symptoms of arthritis. I have always had joint pain, though when I have seen the doctor, it was always dismissed as growing pains. I feel it most in my knees and hips, but also in my tail bone. The pain varies from barely noticeable to a dull, throbbing, aching pain that is so uncomfortable I often cannot sleep. Again, no doctor has ever taken this seriously.
I have a medical history of having several related autoimmune disorders though through some experimental medical treatments I have gone through, and they most likely will not come up again.
I was on a heavy dosage of steroids for two years (100mg of prednisone) during my other treatment, and I noticed that the symptoms have increased since then. I have heard that long-term steroid use can affect bone and joint health, but not sure if that is true. I also had an ANA test while I was being treated for my other disorders that was slightly positive, but at the time, my condition was so critical that I did not ask if a weak ANA test could mean that I possibly have lupus or RA.
I know that the internet isn’t a way to get a medical diagnosis, but I am interested in hearing from people that who have barometric joint pain, are in the medical field, have joint pain from steroid use, or have RA or lupus. Also, any advice on alleviating the discomfort??
People diagnosed with Lupus… need help and info!?
I do not wish to write a paper about all the details and symptoms, so I’ll just summarize, then ask my question.
Over the last 5 years, I have had symptoms of EXTREME fatigue, joint pain, canker sores, mild hair loss, etc. I am also anemic (which no amount of iron or B vitamins changes in the slightest). In this time, I have also had a false positive Syphilis test, and chronic kidney stones (3 in 7 years).
In August of 08, I developed a cough that STILL has not gone away. I have been to TONS of doctors and been diagnosed with pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, allergies, etc, and put on more antibiotics than I care to think of… all the antibiotic treatments actually made me feel worse.
I also developed a sudden, strange rash on my leg after being out in the sun for a couple days… which also has not gone away. And more recently, I have a light butterfly rash on my face.
Last month, I finally found a doctor that said “Wow… 8 of the 11 symptoms of Lupus… let’s get you tested.” I was x-rayed to check for Pleurisy (in the lung tissue), and put through about 10 blood tests (also checking for lyme disease, just in case).
Even after the false positive Syphilis, and the anemia, I tested negative on the ANA test. Kind of. I tested higher than normal, but apparently too low to make a full diagnosis of Lupus.
What does this mean exactly? Is there such a thing as borderline Lupus? And I know there are a few other diseases that mimic Lupus… but what are they? I know that Fibromyalgia is one of the “mimic” diseases, but would that also account for the blood disorders that I DO have and the rashes?
I do have another appointment with my doctor in a couple weeks, and I also know that making a Lupus diagnosis can sometimes take a while… but has anyone had the negative ANA issue and still been diagnosed with SLE? And what was your experience… anything I should ask my doctor to look for on the next visit?
Thanks!
Oh, they did also check my thyroid… everything normal there.
And should I mention, also, that my symptoms began during pregnancy and have gotten progressively worse? This has been going for about 5 years… and just now I’ve screamed loud enough that I am being taken seriously.
Unfortunately it may take years to DX Lupus. I had all of the symptoms you do and saw a Rheumatologist for about 5 years before my ANA was positive. In the 5 years I also had a pos. Scleroderma and Sjogrens. All along my doctor said that probably I would develop Lupus buy it was a wait and see. Keep a diary of your symptoms and continue to see your doctor. Hope this helps.
UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS- NO RIGHT DIAGNOSIS?
MY DAUGHTER (24 YEARS OLD NOW) HAS BEEN SUFFERING FOR 2 YEARS WITH BACK PROBLEMS, (STARTED AS A LOW BACK PAIN) THAT EVENTUALLY AFFECTED HER KNEES, LATER ON… HER RIGHT HIP, GROIN, PELVIS, NECK AND SHOULDERS…. AND NOW BOTH ARMS AND HANDS GET TINGLING AND ALSO NUMBNESS!
I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN MEDICAL BILLS…. SHE RECEIVED SPINAL DECOMPRESSION (LIKE 50 TREATMENTS) FOR A MILD ANNULAR TEAR OF THE LUMBAR SPINE AT THE LEVEL OF L4 AND L5….. THE SPINAL DECOMPRESSION WAS DONE ON A MACHINE CALLED THE DRX9000…
SHE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED HAVING A TILTED PELVIS, HAVING A LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY, ETC….SHE HAS BEEN GIVEN ORTHOTICS TO WEAR, AS WELL AS A HEEL LIFT…. AND ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAS HELPED HER…. I BELIEVE THE MILD ANNULAR TEAR IS ALREADY HEALED…… BUT SHE CONTINUES EXPERIENCING NUMBNESS AND TINGLING DOWN THE BACK OF HER THIGHS ….. “ESPECIALLY” EVERY TIME SHE TRIES TO SIT….
SHE HASN’T BEEN ABLE TO SIT FOR OVER A YEAR NOW….WE HAVE SEEN NEUROLOGISTS, SEVERAL CHIROPRACTORS, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, ACUPUNCTURISTS, MASSAGE THERAPISTS, DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE, ACUPRESSURE, ETC, ETC, YOU NAME IT!!!
SHE HAS HAD MRI’S DONE ON HER NECK, PELVIS, HIPS, AS WELL AS X-RAYS…. SHE HAS BEEN CHECKED FOR SACROILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION, AND NOTHING LOOKS ABNORMAL.
UP TO THIS DATE WE DON’T KNOW WHY SHE IS HAVING ALL THOSE SYMPTOMS, AND ESPECIALLY GROIN AND HIP/PELVIS PAIN… SHE HAD BLOOD TESTS DONE FOR , JUVENILE ARTHRITIS, LUPUS, LYME DISEASE, ETC, ETC….EVERYTHING COMES BACK NEGATIVE….
SHE HASN’T HAD AN ACCIDENT OR SPORT INJURY, SHE HASN’T FALL ON HER BACK EITHER……”THIS” ALL STARTED WITH LOWER BACK PAIN THAT PROGRESSIVELY AFFECTED OTHER PARTS OF HER BODY…. MANY DOCTORS HAVE TOLD ME THAT SHE HAS A TILTED ROTATED PELVIS…. AND A LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY… BUT YET “NOT ONE DOCTOR” HAS BEEN ABLE TO HELP HER…SHE LIVES IN CONSTANT PAIN…AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY SEEMS TO BE MORE AFFECTED BY THIS….BEFORE ALL OF THIS SHE WAS A HEALTHY COLLEGE STUDENT WITH NO HEALTH PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER!…HER LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY IS ONLY 1CM… NOT THAT MUCH!
.IT’S JUST VERY STRANGE THAT A YOUNG WOMAN WOULD GET ALL OF THIS PAIN AT ONCE…..TINGLING OF BOTH ARMS AND HANDS MIMICKING CUBITAL AND CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME….. SHE ALSO SUFFERS FROM A STIFF NECK AT TIME…I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A CHAIN REACTION FROM HER PELVIS BEING MISALIGNED AND PERHAPS THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH HER SACROILIAC JOINT THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO DETECT……
I’M IN DESPERATE NEED OF AN OPINION
I wanted to add that she has been checked for neurological disorders and she doesn’t fit in that category, as well as Rheumatoid Arthritis… A few doctors agree that she has a rotated (anteriorly) pelvis and it could be the main reason for all of her problems, tight psoas muscles, etc…. I haven’t been able to find a doctor that truly knows how to manipulate the pelvis back into place, if that is the problem….
How do I find a reputable doctor of TCM/any of this sound familiar?
Western medicine has completely failed me. I deal with chronic pain, fatigue, muscle cramps, brain fog, etc., that is pretty constant but with a clear cyclical component.
It is, according to all available tests, physicals, and evaluations of other kinds, NOT fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, depression, MS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or any other of myriad disorders Western doctors are halfway familiar with.
I’m not a hypochondriac or an attention seeker, and this issue is really affecting my quality of life.
MY best guess is myofascial pain, but I’m not sure. I definitely have the ropey knots of trigger points, but pressing them brings relief in a “good pain” kind of way, not discomfort. The knots can never be worked out with massage, though. I don’t have any tender points in the traditional sense.
For awhile I really wanted a diagnosis, something to validate what I was going through and open up treatment options. Now I really just want it to stop.
So what kind of title should I look for beside the name of a practitioner? I want someone highly trained in several forms of alternative medicine, not just an acupuncturist or herbalist.
Interesting, Dave. I suppose it’s the lack of a centralized accrediting system I was wondering about – is there, in fact, no such agency at all, or is there one agency more widely respected than others? It’s hard to imagine that there is no body widely recognized as the authority, even though there clearly are charlatans out there. If there is one widely respected body, I’d like to know which agency that is.
I’m not sure how one would use the placebo effect knowing what it is. Once you know something is a placebo, haven’t you effectively guaranteed its ineffectiveness? As an analogy, you can’t undo a disbelief in Santa Clause.
Interesting, Dave. I suppose it’s the lack of a centralized accrediting system I was wondering about – is there, in fact, no such agency at all, or is there one agency more widely respected than others? It’s hard to imagine that there is no body widely recognized as the authority, even though there clearly are charlatans out there. If there is one widely respected body, I’d like to know which agency that is.
I’m not sure how one would use the placebo effect knowing what it is. Once you know something is a placebo, haven’t you effectively guaranteed its ineffectiveness? As an analogy, you can’t undo a disbelief in Santa Clause.
Edit: Just wanted to let you know I didn’t give the thumbs down. I appreciate any thoughtful answers and never thumbs down real responses.
Sorry, Gary Y., didn’t mean to offend. I thought it would be clear from the context that “in this instance” was implied, though it was not written. And yes, in this instance, Western medicine HAS completely failed me. Doctors have been all too happy to order bloodwork and then shake their heads and shrug when it comes back negative. I had a neurologist tell me that I couldn’t POSSIBLY have MS because I had a negative brain MRI – so I asked about spinal lesions, and asked why the MS Society said five percent of MS patients showed no brain lesions. His response? He said, “The MS Society lies,” and went on to say checking for spinal lesions would be a possibility if I’d had vertigo. My response? “Vertigo is on the list of my symptoms I just handed you!”
Far too many people seem to go into medicine with no curiosity, and that’s not the field you should go into if you’re not curious.
I’m not picking on doctors – far too many people in EVERY field are incompetent, my own included.
For people with Lupus, is there any way to counter the effects of sunlight exposure other than sunscreen?
I have only recently been advised that I may be suffering from a connective tissue disease. Upon doing some research it appears that the most appropriate diagnosis is Lupus. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist in a few days, but I was wondering if anyone with Lupus has any tips for coping.
I turn 28 in a few days, I’m married and have three children under the age of 4. After even a half hour in direct sunlight, I will wake up the next morning with a debilitating migraine that takes 5 excedrin migraine and about 16-20 hours to get rid of. I want to be able to take my family to the pool, water park, Disney, etc. without them having to accommodate for my issues. (I also recently bought season tickets for the Jaguars and I’ll be darned if I’m gonna miss a game ^_^ ).
Anything I have to do in terms of treatment, drugs, etc. I’ve got no problem with if it only effects me, but the things that affect my family or my ability to interact with them are what hurts the most. Any suggestions or personal experiences are greatly appreciated.
A lot of our patients wear sunscreen but also use clothing that stops uv rays, you can get various things even umbrellas which can be used as shade. There are quite a few sites that sell the items online dependent upon where you live.
There is a lot of (good and correct!) information on our website including a brand new documentary with lupus patients talking about having lupus and how they cope (and even some of their families talking about it) and a free lupus online nurse (who will give you advice on what to do to combat sun problems) who has in excess of 20 years experience and a daughter with lupus, so please visit http://www.lupus.org.uk. You need to be extremely careful where you get your information from online as. I’m sure you know, there is some absolute nonsense written on some sites.
Good luck!
what is lupus?
•Cause
•Signs and symptoms
•Treatment
•Tests used in diagnosis
•Prognosis
and medications used for lupus
Lupus attacks your organs. Usually a butterfly rash across the nose and cheeks is a common first sign. There are treatments for arthritic that help with inflammation, also chemotherapy in small doses (pill form) help slow it down. I don’t believe there is a specific test to diagnose it. It is usually diagnosed on symptoms. Prognosis depends on the severity of it. A lot of people live a normal life with it.
I have just been told I have ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)….?
or could it be SLE? I have read that the two conditions are similar and I dont feel that my doctor has properly investigated.
I have very low vitality, so much so that I am losing days at work and cant go out for a drink with my fiance. I cant tolerate alcohol sometimes (one night a few weeks ago I had an irn bru WKD and was trying to get on with it and have a good time, but I was physically sick after just two mouthfuls and then the headache and tension grew; ruined the night) I also get headaches much of the time.
I think I could actually have SLE (lupus) or another autoimmune condition as my white blood cell count has always been pretty low.
I have always felt as if I am different to everyone else and feel as if I have to protect myself when around lots of people or cover myself up. I feel general malaise and fragile all the time.
Its making me very dpressed and moody, my doctor has prescribed anti depressants.
Do you think her diagnosis was right? Am I getting the right treatment?
Because there isn’t a test for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome doctor’s have to rule out all of the other illnesses that fit your symptoms and even then they’re often extremely reluctant to diagnose it so if your doctor’s actually officially diagnosed you then they’re probably right (but if you are still doubting go back and insist on being tested for SLE). As for treatment there is very little they can do. If you undertake some research the most common treatments you’ll probably find are pacing or cognitive behavioural therapy. It isn’t that rare for doctor’s to give you antidepressants, there are some which have some benefit in treating ME and sometimes they’re prescribed for their sedative effect since insomnia is a common symptom.
What are the differences between Lupus, MS, and Fibromyalgia?
I’ve been seeing the doctor lately to try to get a diagnosis finally for problems I’ve been having for over five years…everything from muscle tensing and spasming to shooting pain and sensitive skin.
I had a blood test today that will determine if it might be Lupus, and I have an MRI coming up soon that will determine if it might be MS. The doctor says that fibromyalgia is a ‘rule-it-out’ diagnosis, that if nothing else fits, it’s fibro.
What are the differences between these three disorders in symptoms, effects on daily life (I already know that whatever I have it effects me a LOT, making it difficult for me to do anything on some days but take some Vicodin and lay in bed), and treatment plans…also, what are the long-term prognosises for these disorders? Do any of them have a cure, or a management plan that relieves all symptoms?
I am happy that I am finally getting all the testing done to get a diagnosis finally so we can begin treating the problems, but I am concerned…I have heard a lot about fibro (my sister-in-law has fibro, and my father had fibro), and a little about MS…neither seems good at all, and I don’t think either have a cure or total management of symptoms? I don’t know anything about Lupus, however.
Hi – the three conditions are quite different in their underlying disease processes, but do produce some overlapping symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). In Multiple Sclerosis, inflammation of nervous tissue causes the loss of myelin, a fatty material which acts as a sort of protective insulation for the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. There are 5 basic types of MS and some of the more common symptoms include: fatigue, heat sensitivity, pain, spasticity (muscle cramps and spasms), cognitive problems, depression, balance and coordination problems and bowel & bladder symptoms. Symptoms will vary depending on the course of the illness, and according to the type of MS the individual has.
Like MS, Lupus is also considered to be an autoimmune disease. For reasons that are not yet clear, in autoimmune diseases the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against the “self.” These antibodies, called “auto-antibodies,” react with the “self” antigens to form immune complexes. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain. In contrast to some other autoimmune diseases, lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Although people with the disease may have many different symptoms, some of the most common ones include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. For some people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS; FM) is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. Current thinking is that FMS probably begins with a genetic predisposition, and is triggered by exposure to a number of possible stressors – including physical injury or emotional trauma, childbirth, medical operations, viruses, bacteria such as mycoplasma, chronic allergies or chemical toxins. Pain is the most common Fibromyalgia symptom and is necessary for an official diagnosis. According to the American College of Rheumatology diagnostic guidelines, Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain of three months duration or more and pain in 11 of 18 “tender points”. A tender point is a pressure point that, when pressed, feels sore. There are 18 defined tender, or pressure, points on various parts of the body, from the elbows down to the knees.
As your doctor has explained, there are lab tests for MS and Lupus, but not for FMS. But a tender point exam with a doctor who is knowledgeable about FMS, along with your medical history of fatigue and pain, could quickly determine if FMS is what you are experiencing.
Treatments for the 3 conditions are very different. The gold-standard treatments for MS are the 3 interferon meds, Copaxone and now a new med called Tysabri. Lupus has had fewer treatment innovations it seems – and Prednisone (a steroid), Plaquenil (an anti-malarial med), and some chemotherapy meds are the ones most commonly prescribed. FMS now has a couple of FDA approved meds – Cymbalta (Duloxetine), and antidepressant which helps with pain and fatigue, and Lyrica (Pregabalin), an anticonvulsant which helps with both symptoms too.
Good luck in the diagnostic process – this can be so frustrating!
Help!! Why is it takin so long to get a final diagnosis?
Ive been diagnosed with a lot of things that go along with lupus and have a positive ana test and a slight skin reaction to the sun. What is taking so long for them to just tell me i have SLE so i can get better treatment!!!!!
because nothing is as easy as ta-da in medicine.
It blows but it’s a slow ass system because of a few resons
most symptoms are much more fague and can be caused by thousands of conditions
they are friggin worried about being sued for a wrong diagnosis
while it blows, just keep on your dr’s backside and get any approprate referals to a specialist to confirm or rule out SLE
good luck
Is it possible to get an appointment with pain management without needing a direct referral from…?
anyone other than a rheumatologist?
I’ve got signs of an autoimmune disorder that has been causing me pain nearly everyday of the past year.. My doctor’s office keeps passing me around and I’m just as frustrated as they are trying to see what is wrong with me. My insurance gave me numbers to three pain management (anestesia / nerve block / or medicine giving docs) to help with what my family practitioner (whom has actually just been my childrens’ doctors mainly for the past year after he helped with the baby stuff) wanted to just call “fibromyalgia” because I’ve tried everything from lyrica, tramadal, cymbalta, etc… I even the past 3 weeks have been trying to handle my daily pain with no medication and have progressively gotten worse, I wake up with my legs cramped, back contortioned into the letter “c” and my feet throwing up gang signs… I have apparently not been able to handle this and over the phone they prescribed a sleeping pill and muscle relaxer as I was getting NO sleep due to this progressive pain. Then I get a call that the blood tests they took show signs of RA or Lupus. high sed rate, crp, etc. SO… I do not want to go back to my regular doctor who had done nothing but try to throw me under the fibromyalgia rug (which i DO believe exists ~ my sis and mother and 2 very dear friends have) because they don’t know how to make me stop hurting. (I’m also very vit. D deficient I’ve been on a prescription dose 11 weeks in a row daily and re-draw showed that there was NO change in my vit. d levels at all, no increase, something is eating my vitamin D, lol) Whatever this blood test showed most recently got my rheumatology apt. moved three weeks closer than it was (hard appt to get into, I guess) and now I get to see them on the 7th and I technically have no one to give the results to… ?
Now, the insurance company gave me numbers of diff types of pain mgmt companies and I’m wondering if I can just forward the Rhm. reports to them? or do I have to pay some other person in the middle? is a pain management doctor even a doctor that helps with diagnosis and ongoing treatment that would be other than a specialist?
i’m so lost.
Call the numbers and find out. Most places require a referral from your primary care doctor. The pain management doctor is able to diagnose your condition and advise the type of treatments that could help you. No need to go to another doctor unless they recommend surgery.
Have you been diagnosed with drug induced Lupus ?
!0 years ago began having problem with elevated blood pressure. Was treated with the usually prescribed meds. Within the past ten years I have had a variety of unusual and often preplexing symptoms that the doctors couldn’t find good answers for. Lots of guesses and lots of unsuccessful treatments and increased frustration and misery until recently. The diagnosis is drug induced Lupus and it is believed to be caused by my blood pressure meds. Bingo. The symptoms have developed over the same period I’ve been on the meds. My question is: Any known effective alternatives for Blood Pressure Control? Anyone else with Lupus have bizarre skin and hair folllicle issues? Any one know a reputable doctor in Kansas City Missouri to advise on alternative treatments? Any one know of a web site to purchase alternative B/P treatments that you or someone you know have had personal experience with? Are there suggestions for a great support website for Lupus?
Hi WIngsOfGrace
Here are some ideas to heal the issue. Also learning about detoxifying the blood by doing colon and liver cleanses will change your health forever.
Cause
Food allergies (there is a 100 percent correlation between lupus and food allergies), rheumatoid arthritis, other connective tissue diseases, parasites, candidiasis, bowel problems, and digestive enzyme deficiencies can create symptoms that mimic or exacerbate SLE. Migraines, epilepsy, and psychoses must also be ruled out before a proper course of treatment can be decided upon.
Both forms of lupus primarily strike young women (90% of cases) and young children.
The drugs hydralazine, procainamide, and beta blockers can cause false-positive readings of SLE, and can also produce a lupus-like condition that disappears when the drugs are no longer taken. Birth control pills and environmental stresses can also exacerbate lupus symptoms.
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Natural Cures
Diet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet. Also avoid overeating and limit your intake of dairy, beef products, and polyunsaturated oils. Also screen for food allergies and avoid all foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. Increase your intake of vegetables, especially green, yellow, and orange, and consume non-farm-raised fish several times a week.
Herbs: Supplementation with Swedish bitters with each meal can increase hydrochloric acid production. Also drink an infusion of nettle twice a day. Other useful herbs include echinacea, goldenseal, licorice, pau d`arco, and red clover
Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment.
Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia involves artificially creating fever in the body for the purpose of boosting immune function. Hyperthermia can be a highly effective method of eliminating toxins and heavy metals, as well as infectious bacteria and viruses that cannot survive in elevated body temperatures.
*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy or hyperthermia treatment. Remedies for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water offers clear instructions and recommendations.
Juice Therapy: Drink the juice of carrot, celery, flaxseed oil, black currant oil, and garlic.
Nutritional Supplementation: Hydrochloric acid (HCL) deficiency is common in people with lupus, therefore HCL supplements with each meal is advised. Other useful nutrients include vitamin A with beta carotene, vitamin C and bioflavonoids, vitamin B complex, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, essential fatty acids, proteolytic enzymes taken away from meals, digestive enzymes taken with meals, and the amino acids L-cysteine, L-methionine, and L-cystine.
Topical Treatment: PABA cream applied topically can help ease symptoms.
Best of health to you
Canyoupleasegiveoyourinputonthis?
Doing a 10 page paper on Lupus, to which I discuss diagnosis,treatment,prognosis, history,symptoms factors that leads to it, characteristics, types of Lupus and relation to the immune system.
Can you please provide any other aspect that I can cover? Its a general overview, no advanced medical terminology needed.
Hmm very interesting Lauren. On the other hand, what with all the “It’s not Lupus” quote. I don’t get it. I will mark spam definitely.
In response to Anne M., very informative and is more in line of my assignment. It will be hard to pick best answer now. Dylon is dead to me now.
How about a section at the end where you discuss current research being done to try to find the underlying causes of lupus and come up with new treatments? You could tie it into similar research going on into other autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Then you could end by providing an idea of what a lupus patient might be able to expect 10 years from now, or 20. You could easily find articles about this on a standard medical database available through most libraries.
What is wrong with me ?
Im gooing to sum this up and try to be as painless as possible for anyone reading. Here goes :
Im 41 with 3 children.
Onset of symptoms started 3 months after 2nd child
13 yrs ago 3 months after 2nd child : Headaches on left side . 1st catscan showed possible bleeding. 2nd MRI 24hrs later nothing – Docs had no diagnosis. I still get the pain on and off 13 yrs later . Painless nodules so extreme around ankles. Both. they stayed for 18 months docs had no diagnosis. Swelling painful salivary gland. Lasted 2 weeks. Docs, no diagnosis antibiotic treatment. Inflamation of optic nerves with eye doc visit. Followed up with doc, Said he doesnt think its anything to wrry about.
These symptoms appeared than disapeared over a 6 year period. from 1997 – 2003
Than after birth of 3rd child in 2003:
6 weeks after birth waking rom a nap, extreme swelling, painful, red hands. Docs tested for RA and Lupus. Negative. Than severe ribcage pain. Tests : bone scan, blood work, all negative. It lasted about 6 months, dibilitating at times than just went away showing up in short spurts lasting 2 hrs at most sometimes. Again, inflamation and painful salivary glad. antibiotic treatment. All this time pain, redness and swelling in hands still to this day. Dizziness, numbness, tingling and weakness in left leg. Nerve conduct test , negative. Foot drop, MRI of spine, showing deg disc disease. Doc said he doesnt think its the cause. Numerous urinary tract infec. Forgetfulness, short term mem loss. MRI- Showed 2 spots on brain in the same area that they thought there was bleeding years before. Doc said to return in 3 months for another MRI. Still there but because it wasnt any worse, go back every yr. had 1 more so far and still the same. Pianless nodules severe on top of both feet and near shin bone. coming and going for 7 years.
Now all these symptoms are on and off over 13 yrs. They are all still appearing and disapearing at different times. Stress is a huge factor. When Im under stress, its bad for a week or two at a time. What is constant:
Tender ribcage bone, significant weakness in left leg (no foot drop anymore)
Constant hand joint pain (feel sprained always)
Migranes at least 2x’s a months
UTI’s
fatigue
Im so glad there are MANY negative tests, howver shouldnt there be a positive somewhere in here??? I have no idea what the heck is going on and dont know what to expect fro 1 day to the next. Any ideas??
Celiac Disease is an auto-immune disorder that is usually considered a gut disorder, but it can manifest as you are describing. It attacks the gut when certain proteins are ingested. This inhibits absorption of nutrients to an extreme degree, and as a result, every system in your body can go on the fritz as they get starved.
Common issues are: fatigue, headaches and joint aches, frequent infections and illnesses (UTI’s, colds and flus, etc….), numerous soft tissue and repetitive strain injuries, injuries that won’t heal easily or at all. Many celiacs also report odd ‘spots’ that are very painful when gluten is ingested. Scans show nothing. Pain goes away upon treatment of the disease and no cause is ever found. I’ve seen no medical research explaining this, but multiple celiacs say it is an issue.
Another aspect of this disease that is very, very newly studied (I believe the oldest studies are 10 years ago, so most doctors don’t even KNOW about it) is something called ‘gluten ataxia.’ In a few celiacs, the body not only seems to attack the gut, it produces antibodies to attack the nervous system, as well. It can cause numbness, tingling, difficulty moving limbs, memory issues, ‘white spots’ on the brain. Very, very few neurologists know about this.
It is a disease that is ‘triggered,’ and stress and hormones seem to be two accepted triggers. The good news? There is no medication needed to alleviate symptoms. All it takes is a diet change: stop eating gluten, and the body stops attacking itself. This typically needs a bit of help to do, as gluten is challenging to avoid in our modern society. It is a protein from wheat, rye, and barley (and contaminating oats). But if a celiac’s food is even touched by gluten, that can contaminate it with enough gluten molecules to make them sick – rather like an allergy, that way.
If you wish to be tested, you must consume gluten until the test, as the test only registers damage, and not any marker of the disease. Some people get tested, some people stop eating gluten on their own or with the help of a dietician.
This disease can be diagnosed via a celiac blood panel (blood test). There is also a biopsy, but recent research has indicated that it is having many more false negatives than previously thought, so currently, a positive blood test and symptoms improving on the diet are considered a better way of diagnosing. And again, unless you get an expert in the disease, they won’t be aware of that. And I do mean expert, rather than specialist. Another study looked at the world-wide population of specialists in this field (GI docs), and over half got basic questions about diagnosing this disease wrong. :-/
Also, there is something called gluten intolerance that there is no test for, but causes similar symptoms, gut-wise. It is not well studied (only confirmed to exist within the last 2 years), so I do not know if this causes neurological issues.
If this is not your issue, just wanted to say: don’t give up. What you are describing matches the stories of most people I know who had a condition that affected their entire bodies. Most are told to just ‘keep an eye on’ something or that it’s not a huge issue, and so on and so forth. An endocrinologist might be of use, as they tend to look at systems within the body.
Auto-immune diseases in general might be good to explore, as these are very often ignored by doctors, but do affect the entire body, as well.
Wishing you the best of luck in finding the answer.
Is the Queen right to be annoyed that Ingrid Seward has revealed Prince Philip gets ‘morning stiffness’?
I’ve cut and glued some information on the subject.
Ingrid Seward is editor and staff of Majesty magazine.
Question: Morning Stiffness – What’s the Significance?
What is the significance of morning stiffness in the clinical picture of rheumatoid arthritis patients? Does it mean the patient is only stiff in the morning? Is it only characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis or of other forms of arthritis too?
Answer: Do your joints feel stiff when you wake up in the morning? This is a common question asked by doctors who take care of patients with arthritis. If the answer is yes, they might ask how long it takes to improve — you know, how long before morning stiffness subsides.
Not everyone with arthritis feels stiff in the morning. Instead of stiffness, some complain they hurt more in the morning or describe discomfort without pain. The duration of symptoms in the morning is an important clue as to what type of arthritis you may have. For example, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus patients often complain of prolonged morning stiffness or pain which may last 45 minutes or longer.
On the other hand, osteoarthritis patients symptoms typically improve within 30 minutes but may be aggravated during the day with use of the affected joints. Fibromyalgia patients often complain of generalized morning pain and stiffness that may not get better for hours. If you plan to see a doctor for initial diagnosis and treatment of your arthritis, make sure you can convey how you feel in the morning.
Relieving Morning Stiffness
You can be happy to know that what is causing your morning stiffness can be avoided or corrected… Here are 10 easy things you can do to make a big difference in your life.
1) Be sure to get ample deep sleep, so your body can repair and recharge. Forget about those troubles or conversations or tasks that need addressing; they can be handled tomorrow. Also, be sure to sleep either on your side or on your back—as stomach sleeping causes unnecessary stress on the low back and spine.
2) If your room is drafty, seal the windows or door. If it is cold, try a space heater or using extra blankets to prevent that cold or dampness from stiffening your body.
3) Do some easy stretches while lying in bed, then sitting up in bed—such as bending to the front and sides. This will stretch and loosen the muscles and help flush them with more blood.
4) Take a hot shower. This serves as a means to induce sweating, promote blood circulation and release muscle spasms. Simply stand under the hot water and… relax.
5) After you are warmed up from the shower, do some gentle knee bends—as far as you can go without falling! You can hold on to something for balance, if needed. You don’t have to go all the way down, either. These exercise almost 90% of the skeletal muscles. Find a counter, table or chair and use your hands for support. Then exhale and squat as low as you can go, then inhale and stand up again. Do 10 of these to get the morning blood flowing and creaky joints silent.
6) Drink the best water you can get. Often the tap water in our cities is not the freshest or safest. Even cities like Los Angeles have traces of psychiatric medicines and estrogenic-like compounds in its tap water—and these toxins build up in our systems over time, causing pain. It is advisable to drink either bottled water or reverse osmosis filtered water.
7) Eat better. Cut down on simple carbohydrates and start reading labels to avoid consuming more toxins. Simply eliminate all foods with artificial color, enriched white flour and artificial flavors / sweeteners (high fructose corn syrup, crystalline fructose and aspartame). If you don’t know what it is, or have difficulty pronouncing it, avoid ingesting it.
9) Get some regular exercise. The idea is to go out and do some something physical with your body. Even a simple routine of 10000 steps a day (buy a pedometer!) will greatly improve your health!
10) Be the fashion police! You want to dress appropriately for these cold months, and you might do well to sleep in flannel pajamas or sweats. Remember, cold air causes muscles and joints to stiffen.
I really don’t think that Her Majesty should be annoyed by the “outing” of our dear Duke’s morning problems, after all, we are PAYING him an awful lot of money EVERY year and have a right to know when and if those HUGE annual payments, are in any way jeopardised. Morning stiffness at that age is probably something Her Majesty would prefer to be kept secret though.
I will take your advice on what and what not to do, very seriously, as I too, suffer dreadfully from morning stiffness and have done so, for as long as I can remember. Some may say that I am very lucky and that I should be very thankful that I still have such a good memory.