what are you symptoms after sun exposure

People with Lupus generally have some sort of sun reaction. Mine is usually more mild than what you've described, but I don't stay in direct sun for more than a few minutes. If you've been in direct hot sun for over 30-45 minutes, I could easily see these symptoms being fairly normal.

I do suggest that you use the plaquenil you have been prescribed. There are no cures for Lupus and this is the only medication known to slow down the progression of the disease.

Hi, Thanks so much for answering. I think I am stunned a little bit, I've had bizarre symptoms since I was 29 (11 yrs ago) and I am just wrapping my head around seeing it all form together into something definable. Everything you read is pretty general, so it's great to hear (but not great bc you have to go through it!) real descriptions of what others experience.

I will try the plaquenil, I'm in an allergic to everything state right now, aspirin, advil, wheat, dairy and eggs - so, I'm a bit reluctant but read allergies to it are pretty rare.

Take care - and thanks again!!

If you're that sensitive to sunlight you also need to avoid fuorescent lights and halogen lights.
Yesterday I stayed in an ER room with my mom from 2pm to 11pm under fluorescent lighting and today I feel like I've been hit with a bulldozer. Every joint is achy and stiff. I hurt all during the visit too. At one point I got up because I was getting stiff and couldn't walk from the stiffness.

Hi Joy, I hope your Mom is ok! Yes, I am very sensitive to fluorescent lights - I get migraines and just feel terrible - I first noticed this when working in an environment with many of them - I had to keep leaving work sick and finally put it all together. I tend to get a lot of systemic reactions and rashes. I have knee and small joint pain - creaking and cracking all the time, my knees will just give out on me and an all over flu like pain but I always thought with Lupus joint and muscle pain was overwhelming the number one symptom? Joint pain is there as well as stiffness but I find the other symptoms even more unbearable. I'd love to hear thoughts on this. I hope you are feeling better!

Hi FW, Amazing you too, these allergies are out of control. Really, I think I have kept my symptoms at bay (somewhat) by taking Motrin/Advil every night for years - and by being prescribed an inhalation steroid for all my breathing problems - but suddenly a couple of years ago my throat starting closing from Motrin, then to wheat, and throat clearing and very uncomfortable feelings with dairy. My first brush with allergies was in 7th grade, I was always in the pool and developed an allergy to Chlorine that landed me in the er. How did you find the plaquenil worked for? Thanks for your responses, it is so nice to hear from you!

I'm jumping in here after finding this tonight. I do not have the dx of Lupus, I have FMS and back/joint issues but I am having a hard time with sunlight - more than 5 mins and I feel like I am on fire. Now I am VERY fair so it could be getting older I suppose but it's really terrible. I've tried to enjoy some time with friends and end up hanging out inside the whole time.

My question is this, does it happen so suddenly for you? Even with sunblock on I feel like I am cooking in an oven within minutes.

Hi. I am also new here and have no lupus diagnosis. I have fibro, tachycardia, trigymeny, IBS and photo sensivity. The sensivity has gotten progressively worse. I also get that "baking" feeling if I am in direct sun for more than a minute or two and get sharp headaches, muscle soreness and weakness, sharp and blinding eye pain and general malaise after exposure to even indirect sunlight for more than 30 minutes or so. The worst episode yet happened this past weekend. My family and I went to a BBQ which was outdoors. We were there for about 2.5 hours, and an hour drive each way made my outside time 4.5 hours. Almost all exposure was indirect, I stayed in the shade and covered up with clothing but still had such symptoms afterward that I thought I had the flu! I was sick, weak and tired, just totally miserable for two solid days. Today is the fifth day and I finally feel back to my normal chronically tired self.

Is this a common issue with lupus? The reaction I have to light is so bad that I avoid it entirely, which Is hard with a small child. Would talking with my doctor about possible lupus be a good thing? I really can't find any other condition out there that has these issues with sun exposure. Yes, also fluorescent lights, CFL's and heaven forbid I spend time anywhere with indoor uv lights! Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Kristen

Joy,

Sorry to butt in here. I see your mom has gastroparesis. My husband was recently diagnosed - he is not a diabetic. Do you mind emailing some of things that may have worked for your mom? My email is [email protected]. Between my lupus and his injuries, we can't seem to handle it all. Thanks in advance.

Glad she has no more trouble Joy. Thanks! Hope she keeps well.