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Lupus or Lyme?

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Posted 4/18/2012 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
I need some advice. I am ending month one of treatment for Lyme, diagnosed based on clinical symptoms by LLMD. I had negative ELISA test (though tested for north American version but was bitten in England). Western Blot by Igenex showed negative Igm and positive Igg. A few days ago I got a coin sized rash on my arm, which looks very much like the kind of rash one would get with Lupus. Now I'm wondering if what I really have is Lupus? I read online that sometimes lupus can test positive for Lyme. Is there any way to test and be absolutely sure?p.s. My symptoms, bladder pain, joint aches extreme fatigue, weight loss. I have also not had herx reaction from antibiotics. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
Posted 4/18/2012 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Ask your doctor for an ANA test.
Posted 4/19/2012 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
An ANA test will help tell you if you have an auto-immune disease, but it is not definitive for Lupus. I'd start by following the link in my signature, diagnosing lupus, where you will learn about the "4 of 11" symptoms that point toward diagnosis. This will help you decide what follow-up steps you want to take.

Also note that the right Dr to make a definitive Lupus diagnosis is a rheumologist -- while GPs & PCPs might tell you they know how to diagnose Lupus, they definitely don't have the experience and expertise in the area that a rheumy does. Of course, neither of these general Drs are that great at diagnosing/treating Lyme disease either.

Best wishes,
Posted 4/24/2012 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
I was just at the ER last night FINALLY getting someone to believe me and he explained to me that the symptoms can mirror each other. So he ran both, as well as reran my RA test because he said just cuz it is negative once doesn't mean it will be the next time and that a negative result on any of these tests will mean the illness is not present. So until we get a better understanding of what is going on, they are only treating my pain. Finally.
Posted 4/30/2012 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I am 57 years old with severe back and joint problems haveing spine surgery at age 11 for scoliocis.
At age 30 my ankles swelled so much that I could not walk for several months,started taking M.S.M. and felt better but broke out in spots all over ,the size of large coins with red itchy spots..I was tested for everything possible and was never diognosed with anything .They went away after a few weeks..
WHAT IS THE DIFFERANCE BETWEEN LUPUS AND LYME DISEASE...
Can any one tell me?
My Docter told me I had positive test for autoimune disease and he thinks
it is lupus...I am not sure because I have had back/spine problems for so many years and am so confused.searching the internet for answers and getting more confused
I bought the book ,The Gerson therapy (for cancer) because I was told it works for Lupus also but find that many of the foods are not good for lupus and cause flare ups..
I am weak and have swollen ankles and muscle spasms in the spine again..
Posted 4/30/2012 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Nevar,

Has your bloodwork shown a positive ANA? This would be the test for autoimmune disease and indicates that your need to see a rheumotologist for diagnosis and treatment. A GP or PCP is not educated in Lupus well enough to provide long-term treatment.

Check out the link in my signature to Diagnosing Lupus to see if your symptoms match with the "4 of 11" list used in Lupus diagnosis. The definitive "bible" for lupus is "The Lupus Book: A Guide for Patients and Their Families" by Dr
Daniel J Wallace.

Best wishes,
Posted 5/1/2012 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the information. 

I did have the blood work done and it was positive for

an auto immuine disorder..

Is degenerative disk disease an auto immune disease also?

My Neuro Surgeon wanted to refer me to a rumatoligist but

my primary doctor wants to wait  giving me Vicadine,Muscle Relaxers,

Cymbolta and Inflamation Reducers...(sorry about my spelling) 

to see if this helps first...I have not taken any of the so far...

Posted 5/1/2012 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
I strongly suggest seeing a rheumatologist immediately. The things your primary doctor is suggesting will only treat pain and inflammation -- they do nothing to diagnosis or address the root of the problem. You need treatment directed to the *cause* of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Why waste time with second class care when you can head straight to first class care?
Posted 5/1/2012 7:28 AM (GMT 0)
Lyme can cause symptoms that mimic Lupus, and can also cause an elevated ANA. Some Rheumatologists believe most autoimmune joint diseases (such as RA & Lupus) are caused by stealth infections that are difficult to detect on tests (such as Lyme, Mycoplasma, etc.). Roadback.org has more info about this.
Posted 5/1/2012 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
I agree and call again today to try to get a referal ,

Because of having an H.M.O.only and limited income it makes it more difficult..

I am reading all of the lierature I can on both and still am not

sure but swaying towards lupus, so I have started juicing and eating only suggested healthy vegatables and fruits and taking Wobenzyme and D.E.H.A. and fish oil plus vitamines.  

I am feeling better today, still tired but not hurting as much so maybe

this will help..

Thanks for all the info. I appreciate it.

Lory

 

Posted 5/1/2012 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
I have degenerative disk and facet disease... no L5-S1 joint. It's bone on bone.
I went to a back specialist who gave me special exercises and therapy to build up my muscles in my back to help with the pains.
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