hi there

So here is my delima. I have high positive ANA's since I was 18. I had Gastric Bypass Surgery last october and since then I've had several pain flares that one dr has even considered to be Fibromaylgia. I also am sensitive to sunlight, and get rashes all over my arms and hands when exposed but, no butterfly rash. I also have had joint pain for years. The drs always told me that it was false positives but, this dr is refering me to specialists because the ana is positive once again. He feels that it is lupus. Im scared because I don't know what to expect, and do know that the number one treatment route is anti inflammatories, which you are not supposed to take.. I have 2 small children at home and my husband is active duty Navy and is gone all the time. any advise, stories, ect that you can share, I'd appreciate.

Oh I also have Reynaulds Syndrome, and hypothyroid

Sorry I did not see your post - have not checked this board for a long while. I know it is frustrating waiting for a diagnosis when it comes to lupus - it seems to take so long, that when it finally comes, it is almost a relief because the aches, the rashes, the strange symptoms have a real cause - and not some figment of your imagination. My approach to health before diagnosis was this - I knew I felt better when I treated myself as if I was already diagnosed - in other words I did the recommended things - I stayed out of the sun, I stayed away from alfalfa sprouts... I rested when I felt fatigued, I ate better - sometimes stayed away from animal protein when I felt bad - long story short - the combination of all of the advice I read helped me get through the times when doctors couldn't or wouldn't act because they didn't have the right "label' to put on me. IN terms of antiinflammatories - you may have to use them - they can make the difference between life and death - right now I am on predisone - because I have to - my rheumy knows about my surgery and was a part of all the decisions made during that time in my life and continues to give my PCP advice on how to treat me. Good luck... hope you are feeling better... feel free to write b