BENGALURU : I’m 25 year old, for the last two years I have been having really bad joint pain, headaches, random fever, abdominal pain, back pain, hair loss, fatigue and sensitivity to sunlight makes me itch most days. I was told the chest pain is a recurring inflammation between my lungs and chest wall. I fear I might have lupus as my paternal aunt passed away due to kidney complications.
Your symptoms, particularly the joint pains, sun sensitivity, and the type of chest pain you have described, especially in the age group you are in, may indicate a connective tissue disease like lupus. Without panicking, I would suggest that you see a Rheumatologist, get yourself tested and if results are indicative of lupus, get treated promptly to prevent the development of complications.
I have been to doctors and have been told I have a positive ANA titer of 1:640 speckled pattern. The doctor told me that was low and not to worry, however since I have found out it is quite high. I have Raynauds and my legs go purple. My glands are always swollen and lately whenever I move quickly my arms go numb and tingly and they feel stiff. I’ve also broken many bones easily. Such as falling over. I’m worried about lupus and wondering if this fits.
A: The symptoms of raynauds and swollen glands with a strongly positive ANA may be suggestive of a connective tissue disease like lupus. You need to be assessed by a Rheumatologist and will have to undergo further tests for establishing the diagnosis and for getting treatment early. If it is confirmed as lupus, the fracture risk is relatively higher, and the causes are multi factorial. You would need further blood tests and a bone density scan for ascertaining the cause.
Got conceived naturally four times followed by miscarriage after two months due to lupus. Three times IVF was done and again I got miscarriages after two months, in spite of takin heparin, vit e, folic, susten. I want to know if there is any ayurvedic treament for lupus?
The risk of miscarriages and other pregnancy related complications are higher in lupus patients, especially if they conceive during active disease, if they have kidney disease or high blood pressure. The risk of miscarriages is much higher if they have associated antiphospholipid antibodies which has to be checked by a blood test. Women with lupus have to be under a very close follow up by her rheumatologist and obstetrician, preferably from prior to conception, to ensure a healthy mother and a healthy baby.
There may be a role for aspirin and Hydroxychloroquine along with heparin injections in your case.
Allopathic drugs have the most evidence to support their use for a potentially life threatening disease like SLE. Alternative therapies may have a supportive role only and may not prevent the dreaded complications of the disease.Consultant rheumatologist, Aster CMI Hospital