... My issues started popping up in my early twenties. ... (1 replies)

... hose will be monitored going forward, and if abnormal, a kidney biopsy might be recommended to get more detail about the level of involvement. Kidney problems in lupus are very common and usually respond very well to treatment, especially if treated in the early stages. ... (3 replies)

... early lupus are quite hard to differentiate. Since you have swollen hands, it kind of makes sense to me that a dr. ... (14 replies)

... organ issues or joint pain. I have seen two rheumatologists now, and they both agree on the wait and see approach since I don't fulfill all the ACR criteria for lupus or scleraderma. And I, fortunately, still feel fine enough to jog and hike frequently. But the docs are testing my blood frequently for any changes. ... (11 replies)

... You would probably be on a very low dose Prednisone. I took really high doses of Prednisone for 13 years for severe asthma, now my asthma is doing better and I only take 5 mg of Prednisone for my lupus and scleraderma as opposed to 60mg - 80 mg for my asthma. I know it sound scarey to have to start Prednisone being a steriod and all that you hear about it. I felt the same... (11 replies)

... nil. I was disappointed when I asked her about people going into remission. She made it sound like a miracle if that would happen. I have two friends who have lupus who went into remission though. But I don't know the specific type they have. That's great that you have a teaching hospital to go to in Boston. ... (11 replies)

... Vee, you have no idea how helpful you've been. Thanks for the great info. about facial rashes. As far as my lung situation, I had hilar adenopathy that finally resolved on its own. None of my docs know for sure what was/is in my lungs because we decided against invasive thoracoscopy surgery. And because my lung function tests came out above average, we took a wait and... (11 replies)

... AJ, hi. I've read that testing facial rashes is less straightforward, as your rheumie stated. First off, it's your face, which is probably harder to biopsy. Then there's the cosmetic consideration (scarring) to consider. And if the dr. chooses to biopsy some OTHER area (i.e., a lupus band test, done on nonlesional skin), I think results there are positive in a much lower... (11 replies)

... Any insight would be great. I'm an unusual case, I guess. And I feel guilty that I am a probable lupus patient who feels great and has never had joint pain or other lupus symptoms like lack of energy. ... (11 replies)

... I am 34, I recently went to the Mayo clinic for "EDEMA". I was then diagnosed with early lupus. ... (1 replies)

... What are the EARLIEST symptoms of Lupus? I sometimes get these bright red patches on my cheeks,which are hot to the touch,and a little irritated. Somebody at work mentioned LUPUS...I am not that familiar with the disease. I also am always fatigued,stiff in the morning,some joint aches,but nothing that I can't manage. I am just wondering about those patches on my face. ... (4 replies)

... Those "alternative criteria" knocked my socks off! I met almost all of them, starting young. My lupus had stayed fairly mild, so in one way, that was great. Yet, conversely, that made me harder to diagnose. ... (4 replies)

... This may be a long post. I will try to keep it as short as possible. I was just recently told I possibly could have Lupus. I am a 51 year old female. My GP received results from my gastro and is further investigating. I have a positive ANA. I am in terrible pain, neck, back, knees, ankles, and fingers, much joint pain. fatigue, brain fog and poor memory (so much I am concerned... (7 replies)

... your new lupus rash breakout, were you in the sun? ... (10 replies)

... Angela, for 4 years, my lesions looked like red raised mosquito bites, too: small, 1/8" to 1/4" diameter, on upper arms & back. They'd last maybe 2-3 weeks, didn't itch or burn, and would eventually disappear WITHOUT scarring or depigmenting (maybe a tad of whitening, nothing major). But the KICKER was, after 4 years, those same red raised bumps would appear, but then... (10 replies)

... my brother has it. One of my aunts had lupus. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my back in the early 2000s but I am not bothered by it to any extreme degree. ... (3 replies)

... is seen in both lupus and Sjogren's syndrome. I tested positive for it but was diagnosed only with lupus. However, it is possible to have both. ... (2 replies)

... he finger spots can also look like splinters, and are exquisitely tender. This needs to be pursued. Your Dr's initial thoughts are probably right, and sometimes, early in lupus and other autoimmune diseases, the labs come back normal in spite of the symtpoms. ... (9 replies)

... Mine are the size of a quarter and some smaller. They are clear on the inside and outlined. What does the early stages of Discoid lesions look like? ... (16 replies)

... the other things I had are very common in the systemic form of lupus. I struggled from early childhood. ... (16 replies)