1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Tumid Lupus with SLE Symptoms?

Posted by seesawer @seesawer, Apr 8, 2017

Hi! A couple years ago I visited the Mayo Clinic, which ultimate led to a biopsy and tumid lupus diagnosis.

Since then, I've also gotten the SLE label. While I don't have positive ANA, I have every SLE symptom under the sun (including tendinitis, painful joints, R.A.-like nodules and deformed finger joints, MS-like symptoms/spasms/muscle weakness, hair loss, 0 in both eyes on Shrimer's test, tachycardia/flushing, some high creatinine readings, history of colitis/lower G.I. bleeding, vasculitis bruising, looped capillaries, blah blah blah).

I've done CellCept (which helped a lot but caused me to puke all the time and lose 50 pounds). I also (miraculously enough) qualified for Benlysta and still go for once-a-month infusions. It doesn't last as long as I'd like, but it's changed my life. (I literally live for the first 2 weeks of the Benlysta cycle). 🙂

I understand tumid lupus is fairly rare, and that only 5-10% of tumid lupus patients have SLE symptoms (and almost none of those have positive ANA). I'm wondering if anyone else out there fits this profile? If so, I'd love to compare notes. Thanks!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

sandpiper09 | @sandpiper09 | Jul 5, 2017
In reply to @sandpiper09 "I would like some advice. I was diagnosed with Tumid lupus in 2010. I recently waited..." + (show)
@sandpiper09

I would like some advice. I was diagnosed with Tumid lupus in 2010. I recently waited months to see a rheumatologist and when I finally got to see him he tells me that he would not believe my test results because they were not from a doctor IN Atlanta. Didn't matter that the doctor who diagnosed me was in the most affluent area of North Atlanta and all his hospital and doctor associations ARE in Atlanta. It also did not matter that my test were run 3 times to make sure they had the right diagnosis. He also stated that there is no such thing as Tumid Lupus it is just a name some use, but that there is only SLE and Cutaneous types of lupus. Without any test or examination other that to ask me if I could bend my knees backwards and him taking a quick glance at the tops of my hands. He told me that my problem is called Degenerative Joint Disease and that I have some type of a painful skin problems. My treatment was the following: he would tell my primary doctor that I need to learn to sleep better using a website he suggested, to eat better and avoid anything that causes me pain and learn to alter doing what does cause me pain and do it another way. (I cannot walk or stand without pain) He will also suggest that my primary doctor run an ANA test but that it won't diagnosis my "type" of lupus (I never was diagnosed that way) it was by biopsy. He also told me I need to learn to wear dark clothes from head to toe along with sunglasses and a hat if I have to go out in the sun. He also suggested I change to going outside from sundown to sunrise. He also gave me a study of the skin and body and how the sun and environment affect someone like me. I will be honest I can usually follow along pretty well with medical explanations, but other than a few words like, dna, enzymes, etc I had no idea what he was talking about. He then handed me a card and told me if I ever needed him to make an appointment other than that he was just going to send his recommendations for follow up care to my primary doctor. He then handed me a visit slip and said it was nice to meet me and he went to his next patient. He never asked what I do to control my symptoms, what test I have and haven't had he never really asked me any real questions he mainly just talked and lectured. I am at a loss as to what to think and do. I'm wondering do I just wait until my hair all falls out (my newest problem) or do I continue to look for answers? And most of all is Tumid lupus the same as Cutaneous Lupus?

Jump to this post

My problem is that I moved from Atlanta where I had been diagnosed and treated until I moved to Florida. I live in a small tourist town with few doctors that specialize in this type of Lupus. The only one locally doesn't take my insurances and I am not able to cover the uncovered expenses so I am back to looking for someone once again. I am so happy to have found this site. It has been wonderful to find others who has the same symptoms or even understands what it is like to be dealing with this rare form of Lupus. It seems that each of you all also have multiple other serious health conditions that you are also dealing with. The pain, the fatigue, the skin issues, the headaches, etc, etc. It finally seems to me that there are some common denominators we all share and leaves me hopeful our stories will help find answers about this disease. Yes, I do agree with the theory of staying away from pain meds, but this has been a 40 year battle for me and to just be able to walk I have no other options left anymore. I have been told my only other option would be a Spinal Cord Stimulator and I may have waited to long and don't know where I would find a doctor like I had in Atlanta. But, yes regardless of the symptoms we do have to keep moving. I am also going to look into contacting the Florida Mayo Clinic to see if they can help. Please take care everyone and stay strong and please keep sharing, you don't know just who you might be helping!

REPLY
IWantToBelieve | @IWantToBelieve | Jul 5, 2017
In reply to @sandpiper09 "I would like some advice. I was diagnosed with Tumid lupus in 2010. I recently waited..." + (show)
@sandpiper09

I would like some advice. I was diagnosed with Tumid lupus in 2010. I recently waited months to see a rheumatologist and when I finally got to see him he tells me that he would not believe my test results because they were not from a doctor IN Atlanta. Didn't matter that the doctor who diagnosed me was in the most affluent area of North Atlanta and all his hospital and doctor associations ARE in Atlanta. It also did not matter that my test were run 3 times to make sure they had the right diagnosis. He also stated that there is no such thing as Tumid Lupus it is just a name some use, but that there is only SLE and Cutaneous types of lupus. Without any test or examination other that to ask me if I could bend my knees backwards and him taking a quick glance at the tops of my hands. He told me that my problem is called Degenerative Joint Disease and that I have some type of a painful skin problems. My treatment was the following: he would tell my primary doctor that I need to learn to sleep better using a website he suggested, to eat better and avoid anything that causes me pain and learn to alter doing what does cause me pain and do it another way. (I cannot walk or stand without pain) He will also suggest that my primary doctor run an ANA test but that it won't diagnosis my "type" of lupus (I never was diagnosed that way) it was by biopsy. He also told me I need to learn to wear dark clothes from head to toe along with sunglasses and a hat if I have to go out in the sun. He also suggested I change to going outside from sundown to sunrise. He also gave me a study of the skin and body and how the sun and environment affect someone like me. I will be honest I can usually follow along pretty well with medical explanations, but other than a few words like, dna, enzymes, etc I had no idea what he was talking about. He then handed me a card and told me if I ever needed him to make an appointment other than that he was just going to send his recommendations for follow up care to my primary doctor. He then handed me a visit slip and said it was nice to meet me and he went to his next patient. He never asked what I do to control my symptoms, what test I have and haven't had he never really asked me any real questions he mainly just talked and lectured. I am at a loss as to what to think and do. I'm wondering do I just wait until my hair all falls out (my newest problem) or do I continue to look for answers? And most of all is Tumid lupus the same as Cutaneous Lupus?

Jump to this post

@sandpiper09 - I know it can be expensive but sometimes, with unusual conditions, driving long distances (or flying) is necessary to get the help you need. I have been driving my two daughters 2 hours (on a good day with no snow, construction, commute traffic) to the nearest pediatric hospital in the state for the past 13 years. Sometimes we went monthly. It is tiring but sometimes it is the only way to get answers. I sure hope you are able to get into the Florida Mayo Clinc soon. I suggest calling and speaking with someone instead of setting up an appointment online. Also, if you can get your records from the doctor in Atlanta that would be helpful to have them for your first appointment, if not ahead of time. Just make sure you keep a copy for yourself so they don't get misplaced.

Lynn

REPLY
sweetpea8458 | @sweetpea8458 | Sep 20, 2017

I got diagnosed with Tumid Lupus about a year ago, my docs haven't tried any meds, and for about the last 3 weeks the rash has gotten really really bad again, I've been just dead tired, nothing i do gives me energy. I'm the 4th genaration to have Lupus, and that scares me cuz where it hasnt skipped a genration in 4 i worry my babies will get this darn disease. Anyways I've just got a question what do ya'll do the help with the tired feeling, r there meds out that help also.

REPLY
3 replies
IWantToBelieve | @IWantToBelieve | Sep 21, 2017

@sweetpea8458 - I know someone who has AS (ankylosing spondylitis) not Lupus so my experience is only with AS. She definitely needs more sleep than her peers but her fatigue is worse when her disease is not under control (i.e. a lot of joint pain). I can only assume that your rash is an indication that your Lupus is not under control so PERHAPS if it was treated with meds to get it under control your fatigue would improve. That is how it is with AS which is also an autoimmune disease. I would encourage you to ask questions along these lines including why they have chosen not to give you any meds thus far. If you are not happy with the responses you might want to consider getting a second opinion. It is my understanding that most people with Lupus take medication regularly to avoid the flares (i.e. rash and joint pain) vs. medicating once the symptoms start. Most biologics need to be in your system for at least a month to see results unless high doses of prednisone are used. Remember, I AM NOT A DOCTOR, but am simply sharing the experiences of this person's arthritis to help you start a conversation with your rheumatologist.

Best of luck and don't be shy about advocating for yourself!

Lynn

REPLY
paulamiddleton | @paulamiddleton | Sep 21, 2017
In reply to @sweetpea8458 "I got diagnosed with Tumid Lupus about a year ago, my docs haven't tried any meds,..." + (show)
@sweetpea8458

I got diagnosed with Tumid Lupus about a year ago, my docs haven't tried any meds, and for about the last 3 weeks the rash has gotten really really bad again, I've been just dead tired, nothing i do gives me energy. I'm the 4th genaration to have Lupus, and that scares me cuz where it hasnt skipped a genration in 4 i worry my babies will get this darn disease. Anyways I've just got a question what do ya'll do the help with the tired feeling, r there meds out that help also.

Jump to this post

I also have Tumid Lupus and I take the drug Plaquenil which is what is commonly given for this type of Lupus. I don't understand why your Dr wouldn't give u anything that makes no sense to me. -
As far as fatigue I really don't experience that a lot but if your diagnosis is Tumid Lupus I would defy ask my Dr about Plaquenil

REPLY
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Sep 23, 2017
In reply to @sweetpea8458 "I got diagnosed with Tumid Lupus about a year ago, my docs haven't tried any meds,..." + (show)
@sweetpea8458

I got diagnosed with Tumid Lupus about a year ago, my docs haven't tried any meds, and for about the last 3 weeks the rash has gotten really really bad again, I've been just dead tired, nothing i do gives me energy. I'm the 4th genaration to have Lupus, and that scares me cuz where it hasnt skipped a genration in 4 i worry my babies will get this darn disease. Anyways I've just got a question what do ya'll do the help with the tired feeling, r there meds out that help also.

Jump to this post

Welcome to Connect @sweetpea8458,
Fatigue can be so debilitating! @lcamino @paulamiddleton have shared some valuable information; thank you.
I'd also encourage you to view this discussion on Connect:
Tumid Lupus https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tumid-lupus/, where you'll meet fellow members @sandpiper09 @WendyAnne @jazzyuk51 @mnkennedy @tyoark @cammieb95 @thestruggleisreal. They have shared their experiences with various forms of Lupus, and I’m sure they will return with some more insight for you.

@whyus @regeanna @butterflygirl, do you have any thoughts or suggestions as to how @sweetpea8458 can manage the fatigue?

Sweetpea8458, has your doctor suggested anything? Does this feeling of being tired last throughout the day?

REPLY
kdavis | @kdavis | Oct 29, 2017
In reply to @sweetpea8458 "I got diagnosed with Tumid Lupus about a year ago, my docs haven't tried any meds,..." + (show)
@sweetpea8458

I got diagnosed with Tumid Lupus about a year ago, my docs haven't tried any meds, and for about the last 3 weeks the rash has gotten really really bad again, I've been just dead tired, nothing i do gives me energy. I'm the 4th genaration to have Lupus, and that scares me cuz where it hasnt skipped a genration in 4 i worry my babies will get this darn disease. Anyways I've just got a question what do ya'll do the help with the tired feeling, r there meds out that help also.

Jump to this post

Hi @sweetpea8458. I'm searching for info on Tumid lupus and inflammation and found this discussion. I've had Tumid lupus for 12 or so years. I have found that emu oil helps with rash. I use a brand that I buy on eBay. I don't take any prescription meds. Just spf 50 sunscreen every day. I would suggest that you have your vitamin d level checked. Mine was really low causing pain and fatigue. I still fight fatigue every day but it has gotten better with vitamin d and calcium.

REPLY
kibwezi | @kibwezi | Oct 29, 2017

I don't have Lupus but I have Sjogren's Syndrome and it is an autoimmune disease and has many overlapping symptoms with Lupus. In fact I was first diagnosed with Lupus but the diagnosis was changed a month later. I take Plaquenil and I think it helps with fatigue. You do need to have your eyes checked while taking it.

REPLY
CDH25 | @holley25 | Mar 24, 2018

I am 25 years old and have been diagnosed with tumid lupus. When a rash that looked big started appearing on my elbows I decided to see a dermatologist. The rash was also on my hands and feet with swelling. My doctor did a skin biopsy on my elbow and my result is tumid lupus. I thought I would share even though this is very new to me. Blood test have been taken to see if the lupus is more. I may sound not as educated with lupus and that is because I feel in the dark about it. I am not fair skinned or to my knowledge sensitive to sun. My eyes are my only sensitivity...in the last year have been extremely sensitive to Bright lights. I have had pain in my hands and back and neck for over a year now. I have poor focus that is diagnosed as ADHD and when I have chest pains I just accepted it was anxiety. I have always considered these to be apart of depression. Thanks for reading.

REPLY
4 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 24, 2018
In reply to @holley25 "I am 25 years old and have been diagnosed with tumid lupus. When a rash that..." + (show)
@holley25

I am 25 years old and have been diagnosed with tumid lupus. When a rash that looked big started appearing on my elbows I decided to see a dermatologist. The rash was also on my hands and feet with swelling. My doctor did a skin biopsy on my elbow and my result is tumid lupus. I thought I would share even though this is very new to me. Blood test have been taken to see if the lupus is more. I may sound not as educated with lupus and that is because I feel in the dark about it. I am not fair skinned or to my knowledge sensitive to sun. My eyes are my only sensitivity...in the last year have been extremely sensitive to Bright lights. I have had pain in my hands and back and neck for over a year now. I have poor focus that is diagnosed as ADHD and when I have chest pains I just accepted it was anxiety. I have always considered these to be apart of depression. Thanks for reading.

Jump to this post

Welcome to Connect @holley25 ,
I don't have tumid-lupus but do have several other autoimmune diseases. Connect is a great place to share your story and find out what other members with similar health problems are doing for treatments. One of the best things you can do to help yourself is learn as much as you can about your health problems. This will help you be a strong advocate for yourself and your health.

I’d also encourage you to view this discussion on Connect:
-- Tumid Lupus https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tumid-lupus/

You will meet fellow members @sandpiper09 @WendyAnne @jazzyuk51 @mnkennedy @tyoark @cammieb95 @thestruggleisreal. They have shared their experiences with various forms of Lupus, and I’m hoping they will be able to offer you some suggestions

Mayo Clinic also has some information on Lupus on their website here:
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/symptoms-causes/syc-20365789

The National Institutes of Health has a good article "Tumid Lupus Erythematosus: An Intriguing Dermatopathological Connotation Treated Successfully with Topical Tacrolimus and Hydroxyxhloroquine Combination":
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3969703/

@holley25 -- has your doctor suggested any treatments or anything to help your symptoms?

John

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.