health question. could i have lupus? i have pernicious anaemia but i also get flu-like symptoms, itching etc?

Question

i get so ill i feel like crawling around but can't because of my arthtitis. my joints get so much worse and i feel ill for a week or more. this happens twice or three times a year and one g.p. told me they are viruses.

Answer 1

From your stated symptoms, you have Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Arthritis occurs in joints where cartilage has become damaged.

The term "arthritis" actually refers to over 100 distinct conditions. The most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Other arthritic conditions include the following:
Ankylosing spondylitis ;Fibromyalgia; Gout
Juvenile arthritis; Lupus; Pseudogout Psoriatic arthritis; Reactive arthritis


Although rheumatoid arthritis can develop in any joint, it often begins in the small joints of the wrists, hands, and fingers. Usually, joints affected by RA feel stiff and the patient may notice that they do not move as easily as before. This stiffness may be more severe in the morning and less severe later in the day. Patients with RA may also experience pain after sitting for long periods of time.


Symptoms of RA are usually felt symmetrically, meaning that both sides of the body are affected. Joints that are affected may be tender, feel warm, and appear red and swollen.

Rheumatoid arthritis also may cause flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and fever. Muscle aches (myalgia) and a loss of energy and appetite may also occur

How to differentiate the pains between Fibromylagia Syndrome (FMS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

When patients have complaints of hand pain associated with fibromyalgia it may be difficult to distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from fibromyalgia. There are several ways to distinguish. First, rheumatoid arthritis does not typically involve the DIP joint (i.e. distal interphalangeal joint or end joints closest to the nails) so if there is tenderness there, this would favor fibromyalgia or possibly osteoarthritis.

Secondly, fibromyalgia is not associated with joint swelling as occurs in rheumatoid arthritis, although patients often complain that their joints feel swollen. The complaint of widespread body pain associated with the typical fibromyalgia tender points (18 pressure points) would also be consistent with fibromyalgia and not rheumatoid arthritis. There is inflammation in RA.


Both Rheumatoid Arthritis( RA) and Lupus are autoimmune diseases. Both involve painful joints. Unexplained fevers are sometimes present in both. Both have extreme fatigue. Systemic involvement i.e.,skin, organ,etc other than the joints might be involved in both.


Chest pains upon deep breathing is a symptom which can be associated with both. Raynaud's phenomenon (discoloration of fingers, toes in response to cold or stress can be secondary conditions associated with both.


However, pattern of tender, warm, swollen joints is characteristic of RA. Also inflammation and joint deformity affecting the wrists and finger joints closest to the hand is another characteristic of RA.


In Lupus, there is photosensitivity to light; Swollen glands; hair loss; and mouth ulcers are among the common symptoms associated with Lupus. Skin or kidney biopsy is sometimes ordered to help diagnose Lupus. There are other specific tests for Lupus. A red skin rash on the face ( across the nose and cheeks) known as the " butterfly or malar rash " which is characteristic of Lupus.


Because you didn't mention these hallmark symptoms of Lupus (Discoid or SLE); in most likelihood; you have RA. Not that RA is a better diagnosis than Lupus. So along with pernicious anemia, you have the painful RA.



In addition, the itching you feel is most likely related to RA. Studies reported the first case of the acral localization of the acquired form of cutis laxa associated with severe rheumatoid arthritis. The skin laxity was preceded by episodes of itching and swelling of the hands and feet. Histopathology showed that the elastic fibers were lost in the areas of cutis laxa and decreased in adjacent skin.

Answer 2

Pernicious anemia and recurrent episodes of influenza .
You are thinking it to be lupus ?

The association between pernicious anemia and influenza is very weak
Pernicious anemia causes immune abnormalities which causes
the flu virus to attack more easily .

DOnt think you have lupus

As described in this study

For more you can contact at Orkut hospital ...a virtual hospital at orkut

Answer 3

See a rheumatologist. Viruses can trigger lupus. Lupus can cause anemia. Pernicious anemia and lupus can occur in overlap.

Lupus patients may experience arthritis (joint swelling) and arthralgia (joint pain) but lupus is NOT arthritis. Lupus can cause inflammation and damage to virtually any organ system in they body. Read more at the link provided.

Answer 4

I heard Tourette's Syndrome was a side effect. You may want to quarantine yourself at home and cuss up a storm here.

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Answer 5

dont know, maybe you should ask youre doctor as you need a blood test to diagnose it