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Is back pain a syptom of lupus?

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Posted 7/23/2008 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

 I went to my orthopedic sugeon today who read my exray and ct scan and he is referring my to a rheumatology specialist. I have been hurting for along time. In my mid upper back. In my shoulder blades and my neck. I feel like my mid back is going to break in half and I feel like a bad burning sensation going up my back. I feel like a vice grip is on my neck. I have horrific muscle spasms that last for days on end. THey go on and on and on. I have numbness in my hands and feet and fingers and toes. No where esle though. I haven't had a regular bowel movement in so long I don't rememer what one is like. I constantly have dry mouth. I suffer from severe depression. I can go on and on with other minor things but I don't know if it adds up to lupus. I know I don't add up to RA. DO you guys have any ideas you can throw my way? Its going to be a month before I see this new doc and my mind is in over drive. Thanks for you help.

poco

Posted 7/23/2008 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Poco,

   Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry your having such a rough time. It's so hard to get a diagnosis of lupus since it mimics so many other diseases.

   Did the Ortho/Surg run any labwork for the rheumatologist he is referring you too or did he have some lab results when you saw him? Did he offer you an explaination for sending you to the rheumy?  

   I hope you get some answers and relief soon. I know it is very frustrating waiting and not knowing...((Hugs)). Hang in there and keep us updated. Ask all the questions you want. You will find this group very helpful and kind.

   Take care and keep us updated. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

                                                           Babs

Posted 7/23/2008 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Poco,

 

Oh, I can sooo relate to your back, neck pain, spasms.  I'm dealing with that right now too.  My pain is in my neck (arthritis), and in my lower back (sacroiliitis), right shoulder, and both feet. I get the spasms in my mid back too.  So bad they literally take my breath away.

 

My guess, is that you've been referred to a rheumatologist so that they can investigate if this is a rheumatic condition you have like rheumatoid arthritis, general arthritis or something called Ankylosing Spondylitis.  Google that crazy set of words, LOL. 

 

It's something that I'm looking at right now. I have all the symptoms except the positive antibody test.  Your symptoms and pain sound a lot like mine.  By any chance do you have foot, heel, toe or ankle pain?  Trouble walking?  Any pain in your shoulders?  Oh, yep I just re-read your post.  Shoulder blades. Bowel issues are very common in AS, as you'll read about.  It's from the fusing of the bones which cause the nerves to your bowels, and for some people the bladder, to not function properly. Here's a link to a good AS site.

 

http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as.aspx

 

I'd take a peak at the AS possibility.  But don't try to self diagnose.  Just use this as a tool to further your knowledge and understanding.  Something to ask the rheumy about. 

 

Keep us updated on your appointment.  If you have any questions, just ask.  A lot of us have back, neck pain issues.  It's exhausting to live with.  I'm at my wits end... I can understand your pain and frustration with this.

 

Keep pluggin' along,

Ginny

 

 

 

 

Posted 7/23/2008 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
poco, I'm so sorry you are in so much pain. Babs and Ginny both gave you great information. There are some clickable links in my signature that will lead you to some good lupus resources which includes the diagnostic criteria for lupus. I hope you get a referral to a rheumatologist soon and that you get some answers and some relief. Hang in there and keep us posted on how things are going for you.
Posted 7/24/2008 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi poco, I have noidea what it has to do with but I do live with your exact same symptoms everyday. Predisone seems to help more than pain meds. I hope you get some releif because I know it's difficult to even stand in front of a sink of dishes when you feel like that.
let us know how it goes
hugs
carol
Posted 7/24/2008 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you ladies for your reply's. You have been helpful. I can't wait until my appointment next month. I wish it would hurry up and get here. And Carol you aint kidding about doing the dishes. It is very hard. And the laundry is another story too! I know it sounds bad but I wish when I went to my orthepedic surgeon he found something that he could actually fix instead of dealing with this. This is a whole new ball park for me. I have alot of research and learning to do. Thank you for your help!

Poco

Posted 9/8/2009 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
I have awful neck/upper back/shoulder pain, migraines, exhaustion and UC. I wonder if I have something like lupus, lyme disease, Fibro, Arthritis, the beginnings of RA, who knows.. I can't go to any more doctors because I don't have insurance. It is hard enough to manage the UC alone.
Posted 9/9/2009 8:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, my name is Myra, I've had lupus for 20 yrs. The lower back pain I have is from the lupus arthritis, its called slippage. I need surgery to correct the problem. As far as your bowel problem I use something called Napolina I purchase on line .It's fiber, it's excellent. Have you been tested for fibromyaliga?
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