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Help help.....
This is what is happening with me now. I know I have osteoarthritis in most major joints. I also know that I am not sick all the time...however, when I have "flares" I am so tired, achy, swollen ....and I do have a rash on my face (butterfly). I have consulted with the rheumatologist....
Last Friday, I was out in the sun all day. Now, my itching has returned...is this considered 'normal' with lupus?
The ANA test came back positive. The ANA pattern panel showed speckled pattern and the ANA titer was 1:320. So the rheumatologist ordered the ENA Panel--to which all of the 6 tests done in this panel came back negative.
Is this consistent with the diagnosis of lupus or some other autoimmune disease?

Itching can be normal with lupus or sjorgrens. I used to wake up trying to tear my face off. I actually had to put cotton socks over my hands to stop from hurting myself. I starting taking 3 -1300 of Evening in Primrose and 4- 1000mg of fish oil a day. It brought my GLA up and the joint pain and itching is soooo much better. I use Sarna as an external anti-itch cream.
Remember to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about taking any supplements.

One of the most important things is to eat a healthy diet. Look on the web at food that trigger lupus and stay away from them. You can have lupus or sjorgrens and have a negative test on the rest. I was positive until I started with my supplements. Now my symptoms are less and my test are negative.

Lupus and other autoimmune diseases do not go away. Sometimes they go into remission or we are just lucky enough to find something that makes the symptoms less and make things more tolerable. Just remember you can live a normal life.
I always say the" life is a bowl or cherries...but you have to sort out the occasional pitts"

My definition of a flare - older symptom getting worse rather than same or better - new symptoms appearing and staying for more than a few days. I suggest calling your rheumy's office and asking if s/he wants to see you.