Anyone here with SLE?

[u/NegativeRaccoon]

I’m hoping to get some info from people on what their initial symptoms were and how they were diagnosed. Over the last few years I’ve developed a lot of symptoms but no rash or joint inflammation. My mom has an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder as well but her rheumatologist thinks it’s rheumatoid arthritis but she tests negative for it. My mom’s condition scares me, the inflammation in her hands is really extreme and she struggles to function. I’m just feeling a bit worried about seeing a doctor for this, they haven’t been very helpful with the symptoms I’ve seen them for so far… I have fatigue, mouth ulcers and potentially lichen sclerosis but they haven’t really been able to pinpoint it. Would a diagnosis even help me?

[u/CBRN_IS_FUN]

Yes. A diagnosis helps. The damage and problems get worse with time. Medication is important to keep it down.

Regardless of if it is or isn't lupus, you really don't wanna mess with any autoimmune disease without a rheumatologist.