Does anyone here have Lupus as well as RA?

chile168
chile168 Member Posts: 384
edited 4. Feb 2010, 05:56 in Living with Arthritis archive
Sorry to send this post but Im on a constant flare up and really tired from it.

I have SLE (lupus) as well and I don't know which is which. Whether the flare up is due to lupus or RA - I just know Im fed up, angry and depressed. I really want to SCREAMMMMMM but if I do I might burst a blood vessel.

If any of you have both, I would like to know how you distinguish????????

Eve

Comments

  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Eve,

    I have RA and my sister has Lupus, if I can answer any specific questions just ask away and I'll try and help although I am going off line at 9.0 pm to spend some time with hubby but will get back to you asap.

    Hope others can help in the meantime.

    Luv Legs :)
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • kazpaz
    kazpaz Bots Posts: 103
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I have both and I think the honest answer is you don't always know what is causing any particular symptoms.

    Stiffness and joint swelling/heat/pain seem to be my main RA troubles. With the lupus side of things it seems to be more systemic problems and worse tiredness etc.The latter always makes me get a rash on my face too when more active.

    The treatment is much the same for both so I have stopped worrying about it too much. I am on mtx, sulfasalazine and weekly humira now, (courtesy of my PCT who have agreed to fund extra). The extra humira has at last given me some life back. Having said that though, I have quite a lot of damage now and am still having to have joints injected with steroid regularly!

    The fun never ends!!

    Good luck with things.

    Kaz
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Eve,

    I have only got oa and pa and even with them you don't know which is doing what. I am sorry to read your at scream point and well though I can't really help you just leaving you a ((( ))) and hope tomorrow will be better. Cris x
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've got more than one, Eve and very often I have no idea which one it is playing up..........but all mine are treated in the same way (I'm also possible SLE at the moment).
    They are all misbehaving due to a chest infection I got last week, hopefully they will all simmer down.....well, I live in hope.

    Annie
    XX
  • chile168
    chile168 Member Posts: 384
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi everyone,

    Thank you so much for replying, I really appreciate it.

    I know you are all right and that it's difficult to tell the difference between the two.

    My rheumy is refusing to give me sulphasalazine as she believes it may bring the Lupus out more. I don't wish Lupus on anyone it's horrible to live with just like our illnesses. :(

    I also get rash on face, v-neck and arms with the lupus. Terrible fatigue and will fall asleep anywhere. I get ulcers on tongue and looks like someone has cut it with a razor blade. Unfortunately I cannot do anything about the ulcers but use a spray which I bought in Chile for the rash and get my family to bring me some when visiting. It's a fantastic spray as it soothes the rash and calms it right down. It's expensive at £10 a bottle but worth every penny. It's called CARIAMYL but not sure of it's generic name. For those who have lupus like me, I would be willing to email the manufacturers and ask them the generic name if you are interested or whether it can be bought directly from them over the net.

    I am due to have an appointment this month and hope to get some answers from rheumy nurse, perhaps trying Hydroxychloroquine again.

    Once again thank you for replying, hugs and concern.

    Lots of love to you all xxxxxxx

    Eve

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