Chronic Pain - Lupus?

Over the course of the last 8-10 years I have had pain just about everywhere in my body. Most of my pain occurs when I'm stationary - even for short periods of time. It varies in degrees but it is always present. When asked where the pain is (as Doctors usually do), I can never pin-point any one place. I wasn't even sure if it was my bones, my muscles...or both - but now I think it's all muscle. It's definitely becoming more and more of an impedence in my life and I'm not sleeping well at all.

For now, I work for myself. I'm a 43 year old property title searcher and have been lucky enough to co-ordinate my schedule around my pain and tiredness. Unfortunately, all real property will eventually be in what's called the "Land Titles" system here in Atlantic Canada and I will most likely have no more work in this field of interest. Consequently, I'm anxious and worried about the future. I'm confident that if this pattern of no sleep and pain continue, I will never be able to work a "regular" full time job. The anxiety has now added itself to my list of woes. I feel so pathetic - LOL!

Anyway, I have two pre-existing conditions and for now I will call them "benign". They are hypothyroidism (managed with synthroid) and what's called a "prolactin secreting tumour" (pretty much harmless I guess). I'm told by my physicians that my thyroid is under control but that my tumour needs to be checked at least once a year to make sure it's not growing. I do believe that the tumour acts-up at least once or twice a month leaving me in a state of profound tiredness (almost as though I've been slipped a sleeping/pain pill). I'm beginning to become more aware of the timing and mark it down. Usually after a spell (which lasts about 7-8 hours), my right breast will secrete a tiny amount of fluid. That's when I know it was my tiny tumour acting up. Sort of my confirmation.

I have a new doctor and she is very good. She sent me for multiple x-rays and blood tests. Blood tests did not indicate that I have any form of arthritis and my x-rays are fine. She did indicate that my "ANA" test (usually associated with lupus but not specific to lupus) revealed a small chance I may have lupus ("but not necessarily"). Further blood tests will be required

I took a boo at some sites that talked about lupus and although I appear to have many of the symptoms, there are some I definitely do not have (i.e. butterfly rashes, fevers, etc.).

Any responses are welcomed.

Thanks for reading,
Margaret

Welcome to Healing well Diggycat.... You will find a slew of wonderful people who can and will support you in anyway that they can.

Chartreux is right there are a few meds out there to help in this area. Please ask you doc when you get a free moment. Having pain that is unkown of its origin is stressful. I went years without Dx's and can feel your frustration. I went to so many different doctors before it started to fall into place. I also had to do alot of research myself to bring to the doctors to look at.

I hope you find some answers in your search. And please keep us informed...

Laurie

Hi and thanks to all who responded! Such a warm welcome. I am really embarrassed to admit I know very little about the prolactin secreting tumour and fibromyalgia. All I know is that my doctor indicated to me that as long as the tumour wasn't growing, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. We should "just keep a check on it with yearly MRI's". Awhile back, a specialist prescribed something for me to, in essence, shrink the existing tumour (and for the life of me, I can't remember what it was called). Actually, a rotten memory is part of it - LOL! The limited research I did indicated the possibility of a bleed from this medication...and that scared me, so I opted out.

My current physician said that certain blood tests would steer us in the direction of fibromyalgia (if that's what I had). She said there was nothing to indicate that I had it.

My hypothyroidism is autoimmune. That took a long time to diagnose. I felt really poopy for a long time before something actually showed up in my blood work.

As far as I know, she will be conducting different types of blood tests to rule out Lupus. I only hope this gets sorted soon because of the accelerating pain and sleeplessness. I'm really not a morning person. For that matter, a middle of the night person...or all night person!

=)

Margaret
HUGS TO ALL!

As far as Lyme disease - it has crossed my mind

Thanks Chartreux! I will explore that option. I'm going to ask my doctor to get me into the specialist again.

Hugs to all!

Thanks Golitho - I'm always willing to take advice and consider all possibilities. I guess the only way is to keep at my doctor until the right referral comes along. I have a feeling it's going to take a long time.

You're absolutely right. I don't think blood tests reveal everything either.

Thanks!
Margaret