Hello Everyone,
This is my first post so pardon me if I give too many, or too few details for the discussion....
So I had the realize band placed Dec. 27, 2010 and have had great success with it (in my opinion). I have lost approximately 90 lbs since then, though it appears I have been in a sort of holding pattern for the last few months.
In August, I started with a rash on my face. Not on both sides, just one. Along the bridge of my nose, cheek, and towards my temple. There was just a red rash on my cheek and temple area but the one on my nose had sort of like blisters on it. I was not in the sun, I did not start using anything new/wierd on my face. Sometime around that time I went to the ER with severe stomach pain, headache, nausea, etc. The admitted me and discharged me with a diagnosis of constipation. The rash was still there (and never looked at while in the hospital as I just assumed at that point that maybe it was just a break out). I then went to my PCP who didn't know what it was and she got me in with an infectious disease Dr. who told me it was shingles. Gave me valtrex, it did nothing. A month later I go back to the infectious disease practice, see a different doctor because the rash is still there and at this point it is SOMETIMES on the other side of my face as well. He tells me it isn't shingles and after discussing with him some other issues I was having said it might be lupus. He sends me to a dermatologist that diagnosed it as possbile rosecea, gave me an antibiotic, and some cream. No help. After feeling considerably worse with these symptoms, I go back to my PCP. Symptoms at this point include: extreme fatigue, stiffness, joint pain, headaches, (seeing things that aren't there, like out of the corner of my eye), my hands and feet are always freezing). I ended up in the ER again last week with right wrist pain so bad I thought I could have possibly broken it. The did no tests except for an US to make sure I didn't have a clot and sent me home with a diagnosis of tendonitis. 2 days later the severe pain was gone so I don't believe this could have been tendonitis.
I had an ANA done by the infec. disease Dr. that came back negative. My PCP did a bunch more lab work however I do not have the results of these yet. (RA, Lyme, another ANA), and I have an appointment with a rheumotologist on Monday.
I'm just looking for anyone that might have some advise, answers, suggestions, etc....as auto-immune disease are so hard to diagnose. I want this to be a quick as I can get it, as I am only 29 and am suffering in all aspects of life right now. I no longer have the energy to work out, I'm constantly moody, and not a real pleasure to be around.
Thanks for any help.