What is wrong with me?
44 year old female. Seeking diagnosis. Long post warning. Looking for someone who has experienced similar symptoms/blood work.
1/23: Blood work (Quest) showed positive ANA, titer 1:1280, nuclear speckled, positive sm (3.1), sm/rnp (>😎, rnp (>😎, chromatin (6.6), and elevated C-reactive protein (11.7)
PCP says lupus or MCTD. Appointment with rheumatologist on 2/9.
Symptoms (most recent to first)
1/23-present: shortness of breath, elevated pulse with very little exertion, shoulder pain, (both), dizziness, muscle weakness in legs, fatigue, difficulty getting up from sitting, cheeks swelling on tops of cheekbones (malar area)
12/22: Developed Raynaud’s fingers and toes
11/22: Numbness and tingling in fingers, wrist pain (both)
10/22: right wrist surgery to remove cyst ended up requiring tendon repair
6/22-9/22: hip pain
5/22: GI issues. Endoscopy revealed Barrett’s esophagus (limits use of NSAIDS), lower back pain
4/22: Pre-syncope incident
2/22: Last menstrual cycle
1/22: Covid (mild)
12/21: Weakness in left leg
Summer 2021: Polymorphus Light Eruption rash on forearms
I feel awful!
emojis are 8s 🤦🏻♀️ 
, I'm so sorry for all the pain and discomfort you have been experiencing without a clear diagnosis or treatment plan! Your timeline lists out a number of symptoms associated with lupus. It's hard to determine if these symptoms are all specific to lupus or from a different autoimmune condition, but since you have a scheduled appointment with your doctor, I hope they can give you some more clarity! I can offer some article links about some of the specific symptoms you listed in case they offer any information that might be helpful to you as you move along your diagnosis journey.
Tips for newly diagnosed: https://lupus.net/living/newly-diagnosed-tips
Muscle weakness: https://lupus.net/symptoms/muscle-pain
Fatigue: https://lupus.net/living/fatigue-tips
Raynauds: https://lupus.net/symptoms/raynauds
GI Issues: https://lupus.net/gastrointestinal-system
Shortness of Breath: https://lupus.net/living/chest-pain-shortness-breath
Lupus and Covid recovery: https://lupus.net/living/covid-and-lupus
I hope some of these are useful to you and that your scheduled appointment with the Rheumatologist goes well tomorrow! Keep us in the loop!
Gabby (team member)
Hey there
- Thanks for posting. Sounds like you've been going through a lot lately. Just wanted to echo what Gabby has already said, and say that some of these symptoms could be related to lupus. But the only way to know for sure is to talk to your rheumatologist when you see them soon. Keep us updated on how your appointment goes, and if your new doctor gives you any helpful feedback. We're here to support you and give you any information you might need. Warmly, - Cody (Team Member) 
gentle hugs to you. You are definitely goi g through a rough patch. I am glad that you are keeping a record of it all to bring to the doctor it will help some in seeing patterns and what’s been going on.
I think many may have similar stories and I just want to encourage you that it will be okay. Today is the 9th so I hope your appointment goes well. Bring all your questions and info and let the doctor know how you truly feel. I know it’s hard feeling so bad and not having definitive answers so I’m holding space for your patience, relief and strength. Let us know how your appointment goes. ~Racquel~ lupus.net team member
