LUPUS…PAINFUL…and SWOLLEN…JOINTS…

LUPUS BAND TEST

Microscopic image of direct immunofluorescence using a fluorescent anti-IgG antibody on a skin biopsy. The patient has systemic lupus erythematosus. The test shows a band-like accumulation of IgG along the basement membrane (“lupus band test positive”) and anti-nuclear antibodies in the epidermis.

Painful or Swollen Joints

80 to 90 percent of lupus patients complain of pain in the
joints, making joint pain the most common complaint from lupus
patients. Yet arthritis is only seen in 50 percent of those
cases. Even less common is Rheumatoid arthritis, which is found
in only 10 percent of lupus patients.1

What doctors have found is that lupus patients are more prone to swelling in the thin membrane that surrounds joints, called the
synovium.

The most common symptoms include stiffness and aching in the wrists, feet, and hands. Though, as the disease progresses, pain can spread to the shoulders, knees, and ankles.

The pain seems to be worse in the morning and lessens throughout
the day.

While 50% of SLE patients have swelling in the wrists, there are
some other disorders that can develop from chronic inflammation
like ulnar drift, tendon inflammation, trigger fingers, and
carpal tunnel syndrome.

Sometimes inflammation will occur in the
costochondral margin (where the sternum and ribs meet) causing
costochondritis, or Tietze’s Syndrome. Tietze’s Syndrome
often makes patients feel like they are having a heart attack.

Lupus related inflammation in the ankles can also be caused by proteins that have leaked from the kidneys and settled in the ankles. The swelling can also be caused by fluid retention from poor circulation. While many patients complain of back pain, it is usually not due to inflammation in the back but rather inflammation of the hip and sacroiliac joint.

Other pain in joint areas can be caused by muscle inflammation. This condition is common to about 15 percent of SLE patients. Muscle pain usually appears between the elbow and neck or between the knee and hip.

Yet a more serious reason for lupus related joint pain comes from avascular necrosis. Avascular necrosis occurs when the prescribed steroids a lupus patient takes during treatment causes fat clots that prevent oxygen from getting to the bone. The most common joints affected by avascular necrosis are the shoulder, knee, and hip. The disorder occurs in about 5 to 10 percent of SLE patients.

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I can tell you right now that steroids is not the way to go.

Granted they make you feel like you could go dancing, DO NOT take them.

Before I realized that it was all of the drugs that they have been pumping in me…I did try numerous drugs and steroids to bust my immune system…I now have knots all over my body and pharmaceuticals have advanced my Lupus…

Before you take some of these drugs think about the repercussions. Contact me…I will be glad to talk to you about them.

I am thinking about having a Lupus Conference Line. PLease watch for the details.

Help is on the way….

The only thing that has helped and not had any NEGATIVE side effects is Mona Vie…contact me, if you need specifics.

http:www//MyMonaVie.com/SharonSutley

~The Baby Boomer Queen~

~ by thebabyboomerqueen on April 25, 2007.