Questions about strange symptoms

I know you guys gets posts like these all the time but I was urged to ask questions so here we go.

I was dx with fibro about 2 days ago and my rheumy is running blood tests for lupus and other autoimmune disorders I will get those results in 2 weeks when I see her again (she kept mentioning lupus when explaining things to me). One symptom she was curious about is my hair falling out. I was wondering how this goes with those of you who have this symptom. My hair falls out in clumps when I brush it, wash it, or run my fingers through it. I do not have bald patches or anything but it has been an issue I have had for about two years. Does anyone else have this? I also get these sores on my scalp that are really gross. Umm they are about the size of a nickel and are basically scabs that kind of ooze (sorry I know that is kind of yucky to read) and last weeks or sometimes months.There is no scaring after they heal. I always thought this was an allergic reaction to something, but I haven't been able to figure it out so I have always dismissed it.

Another one thing that has been bothersome has been this thing on my chest. It looks red like a sunburn. It doesn't hurt or feel any different, but I haven't figured out how to make it go away. I am not in the sun very much so I know it isn't a sunburn but it is fairly new so I thought I'd ask. It isn't on my face or chin just in the "v" area between my shoulder blades.

I didn't mention this stuff to my rheumy because I really didn't think it had anything to do with my problems, but after reading about symptoms I started to wonder. I also at times get a strange itchy "sunburn" red rash on my hands and arms. The rash tends to be splotchy but not raised at all. It usually only lasts like a few hours but is uncomfortable anyways. Does any of this sound familiar? I will of course bring it up with my rheumy on my next visit but I thought I would ask you guys who deal with Lupus everyday.

Thanks for your time,

Stephanie

Stephanie, I'm glad you came over here to ask some questions. Regarding the hair loss, a lot of us with lupus experience that. I sometimes have chunks come out or it's covering my hands after I wash it, etc. I also get sores on my scalp, but not as big as yours. It is possible that the sores on your scalp are discoid lupus. A dermatologist might be able to help you with diagnosing that. It's interesting that you mention the V rash on your chest. There was a topic here recently about the butterfly rash and it came up that most people who responded also had the V rash like what you are talking about . I also have that and at first I didn't mention it to my doctor either. It is really important to mention every single symptom to your rheumy - even if you think it isn't related. Also if you can get pictures of your rash or the sores on your scalp to show your rheumy, that is sometimes helpful. Like bhkhhh said, if you think you have lupus in addition to fibro, don't give up looking for answers. A lot of us had to go through several doctors and sometimes wait years to get an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes it's because lupus can progress slowly over time and the labs don't always reflect the illness, especially in the beginning. But, if I remember right from your post over in fibro, you already have a positive ANA and protein in your urine which can both be present in lupus. It may take a while for your rheumy to sort through all of this and give you more answers. Feel free to post here all you want - there are other people here in daignosis limbo too. We'll try to answer any questions and we'll be here for you if you are having a rough day. Take care and let us know how your labs turn out.

I'm so glad you have a good rheumy - that will make all the difference in the world. Also know that not sleeping and loss of appetite can be symptoms of lupus, so let your rheumy know about that too if you haven't. I was really frustrated to hear how you were treated in the hospital - how awful. I get very frustrated when docs so easily pass things off as "in your head" or as depression/stress/anxiety. I'm wondering if your rheumy can write you a release from work to give you a break without the fear of getting fired. Maybe she can write a release until you get your results back on your labs. You also should have FMLA (family medical leave act) and if you use that your employer has to give it to you and can't fire you; however, a lot of places don't pay for your time off though. Hang in there and if the pain doesn't get any better, it might not hurt to call your rheumy and let her know how bad the pain is. Take care