Positive ANA and other symptoms

How does a person with CFS know for definite that it's not lupus?

I use to think I had lupus. Part of my test would be positive and my dr. Wasn't for sure either. I had a butterfly rash on my face also. I had a lot of symptoms also. I also had Fibromalgia real bad. As you know the symptoms are alike. I finally went to a bigger city and a dr that specialize in lupus. She did lots of blood work and told me that I didn't have lupus. I was glad to hear it but why do I have the butterfly rash on my face? Went to the dermatologist and he gave me a diagnosis. He even had a picture for me. It was the exact thing I had on my face. It was called melanoma. It caused by hormone imbalance. Looks just like lupus butterfly rash. I finally convinced myself that I don't have lupus.

Don't you mean melasma, ak angel?

http://dermatology.about.com/od/miscellaneous/a/melasma.htm

I keep wondering if I have Lupus as well. I haven't officially been diagnosed with either Lupus or CFIDS (although my dr treats me as though I have CFIDS). My symptoms seem to overlap both. My doctor is a specialist in CFS/Fibro/Immune diseases/Hormone imbalances.

So far, she is treating each system as they start showing affects of whatever is going on systemically. First, adrenal insufficiency. Then low BP/orthostatic hypotension. Headaches, joint aches. Then hypothyroidism. And now muscle aches in shoulders/upper back. Not to mention, never-ending fatigue and non-refreshing sleep. Oh yeah - and I have extreme sun sensitivity that causes rashes, muscle weakness, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, and tingling/achy hands.

Currently protein levels in my blood are low, so we've just done further testing that I'm waiting for results on.

The only thing that makes me wonder if this isn't auto-immune related is that my body is immune deficient. Immunoglobulin levels are low, I have systemic yeast (an opportunistic infection), I have chronic sinusitus, and I catch every cold or bug going around. Also had cancer show up just 1 year ago (surgically removed).

If anyone has any insights or similar experiences, I would be very interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,
Anna

Post Edited (TeddyBearHugs) : 1/26/2012 11:03:50 PM (GMT-7)