Possible Lupus?

[bethnc]

I have had fibro for several years, along with hypothyroidism, Celiac and a few other things.  I've been Paleo for a year and AIP for 3 weeks.  My energy levels have gotten MUCH better, but unfortunately, my pain has gotten worse.  It is not like any fibro pain I’ve ever had. In fact, it’s mostly joint pain. It's really bad joint pain, no swelling, and it's most severe in my wrists and the bones of my hands and feet. It has also started in my shoulders, knees, hips and also in my chest wall in the front and back. I’ve also noticed over the last few weeks that I have what looks like a lupus butterfly rash after I wash my face. Even if I wash my whole face, to test it out, the area across my nose and on my cheeks stays for quite a while. I usually end up putting on makeup and don’t think about it much. I add blusher, which is about the same color as the redness, and then a good amount of powder on those red areas. That is the days I’m not wearing foundation. I sent a pic to my sister and just asked her what my face looked like, without mentioning anything else, and she said either lupus or rosecea (sp). I don't have many of the other symptoms. But I was wondering if someone was eating properly for as long as I have, would some of the other symptoms not be as evident? I know some have put their MS into remission with the AI Paleo diet.

I have had a postitive ANA in the past, it was actually the reason for a couple early miscarriages when I was younger.  I'm 51 now.  I think I've had it checked since then and it been negative though.  Don't know if that means anything or not.  And I am negative for Lyme disease.  Any insight?

[EJ]

Hmm...well, I would have to say that if you have concerns, maybe you should see a doctor. But they'll just want to test you a ton and put you on drugs. So you need to determine your limit for pain and discomfort first. There's no shame in medications if it's a quality of life issue!

But in the meantime, keep up with the AIP diet. Make absolutely sure you're not getting any exposure to nightshades (spices can be sneaky). And do what you can to lessen inflammation (decrease stress, get lots of sleep, etc.). Also keep track of what you're eating in case something new is causing these symptoms-are you eating a lot more of anything than you were before? Does it happen every day or just after you eat xxx?

You might also look into the ingredients of your beauty products and try to simplify/clean up your routine. Maybe try not putting on makeup and not washing your face for a bit. Definitely don't scrub!

Hope you feel better soon!