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I hear SO often from people their confusion and frustration about their symptoms!
People often ask, is this symptom related to my Lupus? My medication? My period? My stress? My environment? Not only do I hear your frustration, I feel it! I've had those questions too!
Here is a nice check-list from www.lupus.org o
n symptoms related to Lupus to bring to your doctor ...
The symptoms included in the handout include the following:
Heart: Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
Lung: Pain in the chest when deep breathing
Eye: Dry eyes
Eye redness
Some loss of vision
Blood: Bleeding and/or bruising easily
Infections
Muscles & Bones: Muscle weakness
Stiffness in joints
Aching muscles
Skin: Skin rashes
Sensitivity to sun or light
Mouth or nose sores
Hair loss
Brain: Seizures
Headache and/or dizziness
Memory problems or confusion
Sad thoughts
Weakness/numbness on one side
(for example, one arm weak or numb)
Kidney: Swelling of legs and/or feet
Frothy and/or bloody urine
General: Fatigue
Fevers
Weight change
Poor appetite
Additional tips noted in the checklist are the following recommendations:
"Step 1: Complete the checklist."
"Step 2: Use the notes space below to prepare for each appointment. Regular appointments are often brief so it’s important to write down any questions you may have for your rheumatologist ahead of time. Keeping questions brief and focused can help you make the most of your time together. "
"Step 3: Consider bringing a close friend or family member along with you to your appointment to support you and act as an extra set of ears. Give that person the job of writing down the information and answers to your questions that your doctor provides."
** My added note - especially if you've been struggling with some Lupus brain fog!***
"Step 4: At each appointment, discuss any changes in your health (even the ones you don’t think are related to your lupus) with your rheumatologist, as some symptoms may indicate organ damage. If you have more than one doctor, make sure they are all aware what the others are recommending to help ensure there are no conflicts in your health management. Consider bringing copies of your most recent appointment notes to each doctor visit."
For additional information, visit here: https://www.lupus.org/resources/diagnosing-lupus-guide
Now in figuring out for yourself where a symptom is coming from - I suggest keeping a journal of the symptoms and factors that you think are playing a part ...
i.e. are you always having worse symptoms around your period?
Do you have more symptoms in the days after being in the sun too much?
If you are ready to take control of your Lupus symptoms with changes to your diet and lifestyle, reach out to schedule a chat. I'd love to hear what's going on with you, and help you feel your best!