Hi all, I got both the H1N1 and pneumonia shot on the same day. I don't have a spleen and the elementary school where I teach was infested with swine flu. I am considered high risk due to no spleen...
I get oral blisters and blood blisters in my mouth all the time and I don't take methotrexate. Perhaps someone else can tell you more but obviously mine are just another lupus thing. Sandy...
Hi Hippi, When my attacks first started they were exactly like yours. I only mentioned it in passing to my doctor because like you, I didn't think it was gout since it came and went so quickly....
Hi Hippi, I have gout and as Bill said it is extremely painful! I now take allopurinol daily and it controls it well. On the rare occasions I do have an attack I keep my foot elevated and take Aleve...
Hi Lucykay, If you have kidney involvement then your swelling is probably from protein loss. The less protein your kidneys leak the less fluid you will have, at least that was the case with me. It...
Hi Brandi, It sounds like you have a good rheumy and I am happy for you. So many of them are not knowledgeable enough about lupus or ignore their patients concerns. I read your first post and wanted...
Hi katalexanna, I also have class V, membranous lupus nephritis. It seems to be a rarer form because I haven't found too many other people that have it. I have been in remission for several years but...
Cured I truly hope you are feeling better since your post. I saw your question about nephrotic syndrome and am able to answer that. It is characterized by high urine protein, low blood protein and...
Heyrose, I am sorry you are having trouble with your kidneys. It sounds like you have nephrotic syndrome which is how my lupus was discovered. A kidney biopsy sounds scary (I was terrified!) but...
Hi Barb, We all love you too and I think you give more to us with your courage, kindness, and love than we give to you. I hope the oxygen has you feeling better and the days ahead are brighter for...
Hi Hippi, I'm glad to see you are back. I rarely post but do read others often and you have been mised. I'm sorry you have been having such and a rough time and I hope your rheumy can get you back on...
Hi Ginny, I am so happy that you are finally feeling great. I know you have had a really rough time the past few months and you deserve a break. I realize the fibro is still a problem but at least...
Hi Peace, My kidney issues showed up as lots of fluid retention, large amounts of protein in my urine and some microscopic blood. I did not have a fever or any pain at all. Kidney involvement is...
Hi Jen, I first went to the doctor because I was swollen with a lot of fluid. My nephrologist did a kidney biopsy and lupus activity was evident on the biopsy. I also had a positive ANA, but all...
Hi Ginny, I am glad your flare is under control now and that you are starting to feel better. I know you have had a lot of trouble lately so I hope better health stays with you for a while. You...
I was officially given the DX by the first rheumy I saw, but my nephrologist strongly suspected it for years. My first symptom was lots of fluid retention, followed by fatigue, joint pain, mouth...
I always have trouble having blood drawn. My veins are really small and they roll. Whether you bruise or feel pain seems to depend on the expertise of the lab technician, as well as how hydrated you...
Hi Hippi, Just wanted to say I'm glad you are feeling well and congratulations to your daughter! My daughter has been dancing for 14 years now and just loves it. It is good exercise and it's great...
Hi Sisiter Sister, Looking back my very first symptom was probably severe diarrhea with no known cause and unexplained skin rashes that appeared and disappeared in a matter of hours. When I started...
Hi, 1. My first clue was severe swelling in my ankles and legs, and I had been getting unexplained skin rashes for years. Later I had random pain moving around in a variety of places and severe...
Hi Beth, I can't be of much help but wanted to say hi. I have membranous lupus nephritis and was lucky enough to go into remission quickly. The only meds I took were Lipitor and Altace(ace...
Hi Melissa, The only positive lab I have is an ANA of 1:1280. However, I have many symptoms and my kidney biopsy basically came back as lupus. Therefore, my DX came easily and I have been given a DX...
Hi, I had a kidney biopsy done 5 years ago. I was awake for the whole thing but they give you something to relax you and they numb your kidney so it doesn't hurt. You do have to lay flat on your back...
Hi, When I was first told by my doc (Nephrologist) he thought I had lupus I thought he was nuts! I felt fine, just had a lot of unexplained fluid. My diagnosis came easily because I have lupus...
Hi Sarita, My GFR runs in the 40's. I am classified as stage 3. Glad to hear it's not lupus but am curious to know what it is. Keep us updated. Sandy...
Hi Sarita, I am sorry you continue to have health problems. I couldn't imagine being in medical school healthy, let alone with alot of unresolved medical issues. You obviously have alot of strength...
Hi Ginny, I just read your post and I know exactly how you feel. My neph, who I absolutely loved, left a few months ago. He was also young, responsible for saving my life on more than one occasion,...
I have worn contacts for 35 years now and I have found my eyes to be drier the past few years. I can still wear my contacts but not as long as I could before. Have you changed what type of solution...
I see my general practioner, rheumatologist, nephrologist, opthamologist, gastroenterologist, and therapist. I was referred for all except my GP. Sandy...
Hi Sarita, I hope you have found the answer to your health problems. I know you have been sick for some time with horrendous diarrhea and now this, so it would be nice to have good health for a...
Hi Sarita, Yes, my kidney disease is caused by my lupus. When I was first diagnosed with kidney disease I felt perfectly fine! The only reason I went to the doctors was because I retaining fluid and...
Dear vetteme22, I am so sorry to hear your daughter is going through this. Has her doctor started her on any medications? Unfortunately fatigue is a common symptom of lupus and not much can be done...
Hi Ginny, As long as you have a lab sheet,(the paper that states your doctor wants that test run), you can go to any lab and hand it to them and they will do the blood work. Any hospital has a lab...
Hi Sarita, I read in one of the posts you saw your nephrologist. How did it go? I know it's hard not to worry, but as we all know worrying doesn't help things either. I have membranous nephritis and...
Hi Victoria, According to my lab sheet less than 60 is impaired renal function and greater than 80 is normal renal function. Mine runs in the 40s. Even though 84 sounds low according to lab values it...
Hi Sarita, I responded to you in the lupus forum but thought I would give you more info here. My first visit to my nephrologist was due to massive fluid retention, protein in urine and small amounts...
Hi Sarita, I have lupus nephritis and I was diagnosed with a kidney biopsy. My blood pressure is normal and so are all my labs except for an ANA of 1280. I also have diarrhea and had lots of protein...
Hi Barb, I am glad you made the trip safely and that you are being pampered. You seem to be enjoying yourself and I am so glad. Enjoy the rest of your stay. Sandy...
I have always had a positive ANA but my DX was based on my kidney involvement, blood work and symptoms. I do meet the critieria, but my DX came easily due to my kidneys. Sandy...
Hi Kari, I work full time and am frequently tired, but have found even an extra hour of sleep helps. Taking frequent in-between breaks makes things a little easier too. As a last resort I tell myself...
Thanks to everyone for their replies. Okie....thanks for the well wishes. Like you sometimes I feel crappy and other times feel good. My ANA really has nothing to do with it, I was just curious as to...
Hi Ginny, I was just wondering how you are doing. I know you had problems with low blood sugar before. Did it go away for a while and then return? I wish I could help you out but I don't know much...
Hi All, Thanks to everyone for their replies. I don't post often because I am busy with work and running 2 teenagers around, but I do read the messages frequently. Barbara Lee, I know you have been...
Hi Rosie, I am doing OK and am glad to see you back. I hope you have good luck with your new rheumy, I just lost my nephrologist that I absolutely loved so I understand how hard it is to replace a...
Hi, Kidney problems cause protein in your urine and swelling, but no pain. I'm surprised the kidney issue wasn't looked at more closely. Prednisone is usually given for kidney problems but you may...
Hi, I realize that ANA's do not coincide or predict disease activity. However, once the levels get really high I wonder how your body can produce that many antibodies and not have them cause some...
Hi keepnitreel, According to one of my lupus books, when a person experiences an immune system reaction it consumes complement components.Thats why C3 and C4 are low in people with active lupus. Hope...
Hi Gab, I have the same ANA and symptoms that you do. However, I have kidney involvement so I was given a diagnosis very quickly. There are many other members that also have similar symptoms but they...
Hi Ginny, Welcome back! I am sorry you are feeling unwell again, and your allergic reaction sounds horrifying. Thank goodness everything turned out OK. I am glad to see you posting again though, you...
Hi all, Many of you have commented on rheumys and their knowledge of kidney function. I have both a rheumy and a nephrologist so I thought I'd tell you my experience. My rheumy will order labs to...