Though systemic lupus erythematosus is often hard to diagnose, it is marked by certain symptoms not present in fibromylagia, including, but not limited to:
- Unexplained rashes
- Butterfly (malar) rash across nose and cheeks
- Anemia and other blood abnormalities
- Pleurisy (pain in the chest when deep breathing)
- Ulcers inside the mouth and nose
- Photosensitivity
Symptoms typically associated with fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue, include:
- Sleeplessness
- Muscle stiffness, especially in the morning
- Headaches
- Painful menstrual periods
- Problems with thinking and memory
Fibromyalgia, in fact, is often misdiagnosed as lupus, since both are rheumatic illnesses. They do share some similar symptoms, particularly joint pain and fatigue.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any symptoms, whether you think they are noteworthy or not. This information helps her put together the puzzle that is a formal diagnosis.
Sources:: Living with Fibromyalgia, Drugs Approved to Manage Pain. . U.S. Food and Drug Administration. July 18, 2008
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fast Facts: An Easy-to-Read Series of Publications for the Public National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. August 2007
