fibromyalgia vs lupus

I don't usually experience pain in my joints. When i have pain, it's either paresthesia (typically in my face, hands or feet - I guess where the most nerves are) or spasticity in my muscles. Because of your joint pain, I would think fibromyalgia or lupus would be a possibility, but of course I'm no expert!

Welcome to MedHelp Wow! You have a really high ANA. Your story sounded sort of like mine, except I didn't have the brain lessions. From what I hear the brain lessions and MS go together. But I'm not sure you would have an ANA level that high. I would be willing to think you have both MS and Lupus. What was the pattern of your ANA? Some of the other test for lupus are not always possitive. Especially during the beginning stages.

Thanks for your reply. Do they perform the lip biopsy because your bloodwork was inconclusive? I've done all of the usual bloodwork, ANA, Sed rate, etc., and all of it is low/normal. I'm wondering how much the doctors rely on bloodwork vs. clinical diagnosis vs. other.

Hi, 11 years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but my symptoms keep evolving and keep coming! I just found in my records that my neurologist wants to rule out MS vs Lupus vs just problems caused by fibromyalgia. I have a + ANA, speckled, High sediment rate high C-reactive protein. I go see my neurologist for follow up next month so I’m making a list of points to keep in mind when investigating. This is my list. * Had food in my mouth but couldn’t make myself swallow.

Hi Everyone, I was first diagnosed with a positive ANA for lupus. I've been seeing a Rheumatologist for almost 4 years now. They seem to think I have Fibro/Osteoarthritis. Currently, I'm on disability at the age of 40. I desire to return to work on a part time basis so that I can feel good about myself. Recently, my fiancée got a job in Chicago and I'm concerned if that move will make things worse. Any thoughts?

I have many issues and asked rheumatologist if I could have fibromyalgia, she said I don't fit criteria what do you think? Joint issues, muscles pains, sleepless nights, depression, cognitive issues, brain fog, always tired, IBS, Gerd, cramps in hands, hips and feet, temperature varies from boiling hot to cold, weakness in muscles and twitching, difficulty walking I'm unsteady on my feet and that's just a few of my symptoms.

Hi, 11 years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but my symptoms keep evolving and keep coming! I just found in my records that my neurologist wants to rule out MS vs Lupus vs just problems caused by fibromyalgia. I have a + ANA, speckled, High sediment rate high C-reactive protein. I go see my neurologist for follow up next month so I’m making a list of points to keep in mind when investigating. This is my list. * Had food in my mouth but couldn’t make myself swallow.

I was obsessed with "researching" lupus because I was very reluctant to believe that I could have fibromyalgia, which I've been diagnosed with several times by doctors who look at me and go, "oh, woman.joint pain. fibromyalgia." Recently I had an abnormal MRI and was diagnosed with MS, and even more recently, today in fact! my neuro says I don't have MS. Now I have no idea what to research!

I would have to wonder about this. I know Lupus symptoms are real similar to fibromyalgia sx. I would encourage them to rule out Lupus which can affec the kidney in this manner.

My doctor is sending me to be "tested" for Fibromyalgia. She has told me, and from what I have read, it is a disease that is difficult to diagnose. What test(s) do they use and how painful are the test(s)? Also, is Fibromyalgia a hereditary disease? My mother had it and my aunt has had it for the last two years. Thanks!

My husband and I were both diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Our fibromyalgia pain has gotten so much better since we have been in treatment for lyme disease. Being in the army means you do a lot of work outside in all kinds of vegetation. You don't have to have a bullseye rash and getting a negative test result does not mean you don't have it. The testing for lyme disease is very poor. I should know because I had 4 tests and they all came back negative.

It would seem to me that certainly sleeping issues would go along with lupus and fibromyalgia! I know I have lots of fatigue and there are days that if I'm sitting still I will nod off b/c our bodies just need the sleep that much imo. I don't know if there is another treatment they would be giving you for narcolepsy? My guess is that if your symptoms fit then they will pursue the diagnosis for you.

I'm concerned I may have lupus in addition to or instead of fibromyalgia and the rheumatologist I saw is just blowing me off. I recently went to my pcp and he ran some basic blood tests. My rheumatoid factor and my sed rate were elevated, so he sent me to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist took 17 vials of blood so they could check for everything.

RA and fibromyalgia can often go together. Have they ruled out Lupus as well? A 2nd opinion does sound appropriate.

I will try to shed some light on the differences. Plus, I will add some links so you can read about them and that will help to explain the differences. Keep in mind that the knowledge concerning Autoimmune Diseases is still pretty limited. There have been a lot of strides made, but there is a vast amount of information that is still unknown.

I had to have Lupus and MS ruled out before we conculded that it was indeed Fibromyalgia. It is often hard to tell for sure because the symptoms are so all-encompassing. I did a lot of research myself and had my doctor write me a referral to a rheumatologist because my doctors kept telling me I was "depressed" and that fibro was a "waste-basket" diagnosis. I was thinking.."if you don't HELP me...I'm going to BE depressed, thank you very much!

Can Anyone tell me what should be included in a autoimmune workup for a person with Lupus/fm/ MS type symptoms and what specifically one should look for. Also, what is a really high Sed rate level. I know 40 is high but what is a little high and what is shockingly high in nature. Also why would a doc suggest a muscle biopsy in general and are there blood tests that would make this a non necessary proceedure? Also is a elevated sed rate a reason to rule out fibromyalgia?

i would look into lupus and fibromyalsia as possible causes

Dear Wonko, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1994, then with lupus in 1995. It took forever to be diagnosed with lupus, but then something very severe happened and there was absolutely no doubt I also had lupus. The location of where I found the tick, on my neck is not showing any signs of spreading out, no rings around the bite area. I will be going to my doctor, or one of my doctors later this upcoming week so I will ask about the tick situation.

she was diagnosed/when in reality u can not diagnose lupus, fibromyalgia or MS..many others//symptoms r used for dx/when she was pregnant she was DX-d with lupus//no problems since after delievery I have been diagnosed/again diagnosed with fibromyalgia....dunno...doesnt really matter...peopole can walk around with a herniated disc and never feel an ounce of pain..whereas another will suffer from the pain horribly..

Do you have a definite diagnosis of Lupus? And they believe you have fibromyalgia on top of it? Fibromyalgia is a connective tissue dis-ease. What was the 3rd thing you mentioned being diagnosed with? How long have you had the symptoms? What are your symptoms? As the previous members said medication is the trickiest part, it can take time to figure out what works best for you. We might be able to make non-medical suggestions if you talk about your symptoms.

Hi, did we ever do this poll? If not, I'll try to revive it.

Have you been checked for things like MS, lupus, fibromyalgia, or leukemia? I would investigate those further and see if your symtoms line up. I would also see if your doctor has any other ideas.

Fibromyalgia vs lupus

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