I was diagnosed in 1998 with Sub-acute Cutaneous Lupus (SCLE). I was told when diagnosed that it only affects the skin, but as the years go by I notice other symptoms like joint pain and stiffness, some memory issues (not major), and sensitivity to bright light (eyes). All my labs always look good. Even though they said that my Lupus only affects the skin, they said there may be a slight chance that it could progress into systemic. Doctors were also curious as to how I got Lupus, since it is usually a hereditary illness and no one in my family has ever had it! I often wonder if all autoimmune diseases are related? Arthritis is an autoimmune disease and there is a lot of that in both sides of my family, so is the Lupus just a "branch" of the arthritis? My rheumatologist recently diagnosed me with osteoarthritis in both of my hands. Just a natural part of aging, or caused by my Lupus? Our illness is a misunderstood and often times misdiagnosed illness, as it mimics many others. I have good days and bad days, but I have found that as long as I keep moving I feel much better. So glad there is finally a place where we can share our stories and help one another. It's nice to know you're not the only one out there suffering in silence!

Most of the time my labs never go along with what my body is doing. One time my joints were so swollen & painful that I was in the hospital but my labs showed no inflammation at all. Lupus does not necessarily follow the book which is why the biggest part of the diagnosis is getting a complete history from the patient.

My labs were normal ... he still diagnosed me because of the other symptoms! Blue feet and hands, stiff swollen joints, rash on face. Now im having problems with walking, brain fog, and eyesight

When I first got diagnosed back in 2013 my blood work was perfect. I was what my Dr. calls a "text book" lupus patient(haha) He told me that I had the beginning stages of Lupus and that hopefully we could control it. Since then I have had protein in my urine so I have to go see a kidney specialist every 6 months. If it doesn't improve by the time I go back in August they will put me on medication. I have taken my Plaquenil daily along with the prednisone. (I look like one of those blow fish thanks to the steroid) I hope that we can control it before there's any damage to my organs! :) I think every patient is different so hopefully you will be fine and there will be no damages.

One one about detecting Lupus is the fact that everything, wrong has to be found at the same time of testing. One test more than likely won't prove that you have the disease. You're blood cell, white or red might be ok while other factors might be down. I went through years of testing for every kind of disease but nothing came up. Until finally the white counts were noticed, everything that goes wrong with lupus finally showed up. The best thing to do is keep a journal, and doctors visit write down everything. It easier to understand your body and know how to recognize when you're going into a flare up.