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Swollen lymph nodes during a flare?

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Posted 12/28/2016 4:17 PM (GMT -6)
Hi,

Has anyone else ever dealt with swollen lymph nodes during or after a flare?
I am currently battling my first bad flare since being diagnosed a few weeks ago. Suddenly I have horrible reactions to the sun and have dealt with my rash causing problems, headaches, aches, basically flu like symptoms minus the fever.

Both the sides and back of my neck, as well as under my arms, my lymph nodes are swollen and painful. I don't have a fever and I don't feel "sick" as in j don't feel like I have an infection. I genuinely believe it's all the flare

Anyone else dealt with this? Or should I give my rheumatologist a call and see about getting in early? Or my general doctor?

Thank you!
Posted 12/28/2016 4:25 PM (GMT -6)
In thinking back over my illness, I don't recall ever having swollen lymph nodes. But I could just be forgetting having them.

Sun reactions do tend to cause headaches, body aches, and general feeling of flu or malaise. It can take up to 10 days after being exposed to the sun or florescent lights for my body to get back to normal, you probably have the same kind of time frame in store.

Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water - and if it lasts more than 7-10 days, then think about seeing a Dr. That's what I'd do, anyhow.
Posted 12/28/2016 4:42 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks - I had no clue a flare could last this long. I'm also struggling with learning what it's "normal" (lol at normal because nothing is normal or expected with lupus!!) and what I should be concerned with - i.e. When I should call the doctor.

My lymph nodes weren't as swollen just 2 days ago, after that bad sun flare I previously mentioned, but I'm wondering now I may have worked myself too much and am now paying for it all over again. It's a vicious cycle and I haven't quite learned how to manage yet.

I was givinen a short round of prednisone but I started it right after the bad flare so I haven't even seen any improvement it :/
Posted 12/28/2016 6:33 PM (GMT -6)
Flares can last for months. Or years. Or days. Lupus can be pretty darn random about it.
Posted 12/29/2016 1:26 AM (GMT -6)
Are you using sun protection?

I feel awful after sun exposure and I have to wear sun protective clothing to prevent it. Check out coolibar.com. They sell wonderful clothing with long lasting protection in them.
Posted 12/29/2016 11:05 AM (GMT -6)
I actually have some clothing from that website on be way smile I remember you putting that link in another question I had posted so I checked it out and ordered some a few days ago!

As an update, I called my rheumatologist office since this is the 2nd week of this flare. Around the time my flare started I randomly started having excruciating gall bladder pain and my doctor has ordered a scan and referred me to a surgeon. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. So the rheumatologist is going to try and work me in to see about starting some more medicine and what's going on.
Posted 12/30/2016 12:10 AM (GMT -6)
Glad you're getting to see the rheumatologist sooner, but not happy about the gallbladder.
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