I am 53 and for approx. 4yrs. I had been dealing with extreme hot flashes. I would get bright red (including the whites of my eyes) from head to toe. My OB/GYN said it was menopause and put me on HRT. I stopped taking after 9 mos. as I saw no change and was hearing and reading that this is not necessarily a good thing. Since Jan. 09 I was so fatigued all of the time, started losing weight (not trying) extremely low blood pressure along with rapid heart papitations and dizziness. Again, at annual exam all passed off as menopause - I just have an extreme case. By Aug.09 I was having extreme explosive diarrhea up to 5 or more times a day. By Oct. I had continuous severe swelling from abdomen to feet. I went to primary physician after work one morning in pain from swelling and was seen by a Dr. I had never seen. Dr. looked at swelling and immediately noticed I had a butterfly rash on face (I had this since May - also blamed on menopause) and thought outside the obvious and suspected Lupus. Ordered blood work - came back positive with a low count. Referred me to a Rheumatologist - he ordered blood work and a 24hr. urinalysis (5H1AA) to rule out diseases with similar symptoms of Lupus before doctoring for Lupus. These symptoms can also mimic IBS, Crohns disease and others. The urinalysis came back positive for a very rare and often
situation that not all things are the obvious and we need to look outside the box. Not everything can be blamed on menopause - at this time I am living proof! Will be happy to answer any questions.
Zebra23
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Hi Zebra
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It will definitely help others. I'm sorry you have this diagnosis, but so appreciate the gift you have given by educating others.
Please stay in touch, and thank you.
June 28, 2010 - 7:05amThis Comment