What is this?

annieuk75

I am so confused, I keep being told different things by different doctors.
Let me start from the beginning. In February I started having pain in the soles of me feet when i walked, which my doctor told me was due to flat feet and I went to see a podiatrist. The pain then developed in my ankles and knees, which i was then referred for physio as they thought it was due to the flat feet. I then developed pain and stiffness in my hands and wrists and was sent to a rheumatologist. He couldn't decide if it was RA or Lupus and is still unsure. All my blood tests are coming back with a low white blood cell count and low lymphocyte count but the rheumatoid factor is ok. Because of this my doctor doesn't believe that it is RA. I am in pain everyday, somedays are worse tha others. I have the pain in my feet, ankles, knees, shouldrrs, wrists and hands. Sometimes the pain in my shoulder goes down my arm. I also get really tired and emotional since all this started.
I just want to know what it is. My doctor has sent me back to the haemotologist because the lymphocyte and white blood cell counts are still down and now I'm really worried. If it is arthritis, I don't mind - I just want a diagnosis.

debatat

Hi Annie, I understand your frustration. Lupus and Ra are very difficult diseases to diagnose in some people. It takes time and evidence of symptoms to pinpoint a diagnosis. The low blood counts do sound more like lupus, to confuse the mix you can get an overlap of both Rhupus.
Do you kee[ a symptom diary? Note fever, rashes pains. Even take photos of rashes and swollen joints. It can help to sort out a pattern.
Ask for a recommendation of a lupus specialist, to at least rule it out. Not all rheumys are familiar with lupus, it mimics other disorders.

Hope this helps
Deb x