Lupus and MS

I was diagnosed with MS in '98......didn't really believe the diagnosis so I went to 3 neurologists.....and each said that I had MS. about 3 years ago, I didn't feel well....and my Medical dept personnel at work ran an ANA........it came back elevated. I didn't pursue anything until about a month ago. I was familiar with MS symptoms but I started having weird stuff like a pressure in my left side, gas, pain in my legs, my arms would break out when I got in the sun.

Any way, I went to a Rheumatologist and he did some specialized testing as far as blood work and ANA.........the following items came back:

Anti-nuclear AB          Positive

ANA Titer                    1:160

ANA Pattern               Speckled

ANA Pattern               Nucleolar

Anti-RO AB (SS-A)-EIA       Moderate Positive

Anti--DS DNA AB By FARR   7.7   (Normal <7.0)

Thyroid microsomal P AB    >1300    (Normal <60)

When the nurse called back with my results, she said that my bloodwork results were consisten with a diagnosis of Lupus.

Based upon the results above.......does that diagnosis look consistent?

Also, does anybody else have MS and Lupus.....or is that unusual?

 

Thanks for responding back to me. Lupus is a new thing for me. I don't know much about it. I kept talking to my neurologist about the joint pain, muscle pain, and some other issues that I was experiencing. I think he thought that I was a complainer.....he acted like it was all in my mind.....so I quit mentioning anything....and would just tell him that I was fine. It was very frustrating and I had started to believe that I was somewhat crazy.

I hope that the Rheumatologist can offer relief with some of my issues.....I really don't know what is Lups, MS....or just something else. If I list some things that I can't explain....I would really like some input as to if the issue might be related to Lupus. So here I go:

1. Major indigestion.

2. Pain and pressure under left rib cage - major gas.

3. Reoccuring pain in large muscles in back of thighs.

4. Dizziness (I think this is MS related?)

5. Pain in hands and feet.....stiffness

Any clarification is appreciated.

Also, what should I really be concerned about.....as far a Lupus? They did a check of protein in my urine...and that was fine..so I assume my kidneys are ok.

 

I have difficulty sleeping at night.......sometimes its because my legs hurt.......sometimes I just can't sleep. What can help with the pain?

Also, I wake up several times a night........my arms and hands go to sleep......except for my little fingers?

I still work full time.........so my inability to sleep.........is not because......I'm not tired.

Dear Pep,

I am in a similiar situation as you.  I am waiting for a diagnosis of MS.  But my ANA is Speckled also.  My MD (not a specialist) told me that when the ANA comes back speckled it indicates MCTD.  MCTD and MS can share some similiar symptoms.  I hope that you don't have both and I hope that I don't either.  The Lupus is rough, I am starting to have more and more signs of the Scleraderma and I am also afraid that some of the signs of polyMyotisis may be starting.  Definately get to a dr and find out as soon as you can so maybe your dr can help you feel as good as poosible.  Good luck.