what are symtoms of lupus, is muscle cramps one?

Hi i recently tested positive for ANA. I am scheduled to see a specialist in about 6 weeks. Has anyone gone to doctor after doctor for issues and just be brushed off. Following is what I have actually suffered from and sought treatment for these symptoms along with the positive ANA test have I have Lupus or connective tissue disorder:
1. Hypothyrodisim - take synthroid
2. Swollen glands
3. Sores on my mouth off and on but more on in the last year
4. Sores in my nose. Diagnosed with inflammation of the hair follicule
5. Terrible nose bleeds over the last three years clots coming out - diagnosis dry nose
6. Exhaustion - vitamin D prescription and B12 shots
7. Pains in chest - diagnosis stress
8. Seven years three different doctors allergist and dermatologist for face rash - diagnosis stress. Seems I always have a light pink rash over cheeks and nose - butterfly
9. Digestion issues - colitis
10. Adjustment disorder with anxiety (who wouldnt!) take effexor
11. nauseated - feeling fluish
12. Unable to stay awake at all - sleep study diagnosis idopathic hypersomina six months ago - take adderall twice a day
13. Brain fog
14. In last four years - calf tear, later meniscus tear, ruptured bicep, rotator cuff tear, glute strain
15. Terrible joint pain - weekly adjustments and massages
16. Hate hate hate the sunlight makes me feel sick.

Mornings are hell - I think I cant live like this - I hurt everywhere then by mid afternoon I feel better. Not great but better. I kept my pace in life until the unbearable exhaustion took hold of me now I work part time (was terminated in January for not being focused after telling my employer I was seeking testing for whatever the hell was wrong with me) I was there 14 years. so I work part time and just recently gave up going to the gym the place I was at five days a week for most of my life. I too tired feel sick and weak. I kept asking my doctors this has to all be connected but no one felt it was!
Hopefully I will get the right diagnosis come July 5th!

I was diagnosed with Lupus affecting my central nervous systems, kidneys, blood and lungs. Initially my disease was so severe that I was treated with chemotherapy infusions every three to five weeks for over 5 years. Now I'm doing well for the most part in terms of vital organ insolvent. I work full time and have a full life. For years I too have suffered with muscle cramps, initially in my feet which went away if I ate a potassium rich food but now there seems to be no relief. My doctor started me on high doses of pharmaceutical magnesium which can only be purchased with a prescription. Initially I was taking 500 mg daily now I'm taking over 2000 mg and the muscle cramps continue sporadically. Keeping me up all night in pain and frustration which is affecting my ability to function professionally throughout the day. Magnesium is the primary case of muscle cramps so it's worth discussing with your doctor.

I Agee with the others posts Lupus is a mysterious disease and it presents itself differently for everyone. It's easy to let it get you down, but you can't. Today that's harder to say than other days as had a bad night and I'm tired of feeling lousy in the morning, I want to live and enjoy life. Diet and exercise can help, hydration is extremely important and exercise. For those with pain I suggest floor plates, it's gentle and well build muscle strength. Hot baths and Epsom salts help to comfort painful muscles. I good support system is key. I've never posted on this board but felt compelled to do so today after I read others comments. I wish you all a great day and even better night sleep tonight!

What I have found about lupus and diet is that diet without preservatives almost totally reduces the quantity of symptoms. You could find out more here:

http://bit.ly/10JoAcO

Hope that helps someone.

Thank you. I do not feel crazy anymore. My hands curl up and have to be pulled out sometimes. The neurologist called it focal dystopia but did not relate it to my lupus.

I have been living with Lupus for 20 yrs. Muscle cramping & spasms are a symptom of Lupus. When inflammation occurs no part of your body is exempt from that. I am currently fighting my 2nd round of muscle spasms in the neck, calves, muscle twitching @ night and a low grade fever. All these are flare indicators. A bar of soap in your bed sheets at night with eliminate the leg cramps...trust me I didn't believe it either but it does get rid of them. My rheumy gives me a 7 day steroid treatment and its gone! Hope this helps.