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Fibromyalgia and Lupus: Differences, Similarities

Today we’re going to be talking about the difference between fibromyalgia and Lupus. Those are you out there, you may have both and you can’t really tell the difference between what pain is well or what you’re flaring up from. So I’m just going to be going through and telling you some of the difference between the two.

Fibromyalgia and Lupus

So as you may know, they both cause pain. But lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints skin and your organs. Fibromyalgia affects muscles which call pain and you have certain tender points. They also causes extreme fatigue and can contribute to anxiety and depression.

  • Do I have fibromyalgia or lupus? How could I tell what I have?

Both fibromyalgia and lupus cause pain and fatigue. And you can have both at the same time. With fibromyalgia, your risk of the irritable syndrome, PMS and mitral valve prolapse and depression are more likely. Depression is more likely in anyone suffering from chronic pain.

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Muscle Pain, Butterfly Rash

Now both of them are difficult to diagnose. It may take some people years because they both mimic so many other diseases out there. With lupus, you have more muscle aches. With fibromyalgia is more of muscle pain, and sometimes fibromyalgia chest pain. They both call fatigue. With lupus, is a lot of people Lupus is characterized with that butterfly rash, over your forehead, over your nose, in your cheek. It is known as the butterfly line. That is one significant thing about lupus. You’re also sensitive to light.

Sensitivity

With fibromyalgia, you’re sensitive to touch. There are times where someone just pokes me and it feels like I just got hit with a baseball. They both call skin irritation. They both can cause you not to be able to do a daily activity, it may be difficult because of the pain.

  • Differentiating lupus and fibromyalgia

In comparison with fibromyalgia and Lupus, Lupus is an autoimmune disorder. Lupus, the immune system usually attacks the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and joints. In short, almost everything. Lupus can cause fever, rashes, anemia, seizures and skin lesions made worse by sunlight. None of those symptoms occur with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and Lupus

Morning Stiffness

With lupus, you have morning sickness and then it later on goes away. Versus fibromyalgia is stiffness upon waking up, so you may feel stiff before you get up and then start moving around in a little way. With lupus, you have stiffness throughout the entire day. In fibromyalgia, the stiffness is in the same position for a long time. Over time it doesn’t go away.

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Memory Problems

Both fibromyalgia and lupus, you have trouble with concentration memory. In fibromyalgia, there is a big fibro fog. That’s a big thing with fibromyaliga. In lupus, you have a sensitivity to light. Versus with fibromyalgia, you might have sensitive to odors, noises, the cold, medication, you’re more sensitive to certain things.

  • Can they diagnose it conclusively?

Lupus is diagnosed via antinuclear antibody or ANA blood tests. There isn’t a similar conclusive test for fibromyalgia. Hence the misdiagnoses. The bewildering array of symptoms makes it hard to diagnose. Fibromyalgia affects the brain and nervous system, causing everything from serious problems, migraines and blurred vision to cravings for chocolate.

fibromyalgia pain types are telling

Fibromyalgia and Lupus Can Cause

They both can cause migraines, depression, anxiety, and weight change. Now the causes for both of them are still unknown and they’re both are known mostly in women. To get diagnoseable for both of them are different. With lupus, you can need to do a blood test and they can tell you that was less you know the butterfly rash, your hair loss all the other symptoms. Versus with fibromyalgia. It’s mostly diagnosed through the 18 trigger points. Sometimes taking the correct vitamins for fibromyalgia may help.

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People hear that it can interfere with concentration. Fibromyalgia can cause far more than that. It can cause teeth grinding, poor balance, confusion so bad you don’t recognize familiar places and difficulty speaking.

  • How is it treated?

Lupus is treated by suppressing parts of the immune system, though this makes you prone to infection. Lupus is regularly treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-malaria drugs. But you can’t even blame a mosquito for it. Both disorders can flare up before fading away. But lupus is life-threatening when it starts attacking internal organs.

One can kill you, but both making life a nightmare. Well, more so with fibromyalgia because of the sleep disorders. No matter which one fibromyalgia and lupus you have, you should see a doctor.

References

  1. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Fibromyalgia-and-Lupus.aspx

The sources of this article are research-based. The information may or may not be the same for you. This content is strictly an overview and is for informational and educational purposes only. Hence, all readers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any medication.

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This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. Martha

    Unfortunately I have both and it’s true it took years and several Doctors to get diagnosed .
    It’s so hard to get social security benefits I was told I’m 100% disabled but because my husband makes more then $1,600. A month I don’t qualify for any help , I don’t know what’s worse lupus and fibromyalgia or the fact that it’s so hard to get help and all the meds are so expensive thank you for the information God bless

  2. Debi

    Thank you
    Good read and very helpful…
    I am surprised about the cravings for chocolate. I eat alot of it.
    Also I get itchy …i hear that it’s added to the collection…?

  3. Jus gorgeous

    For years now I’ve suffered with both Ale lupus and fibromyalgia. Every morning it takes alot to even get out of bed. Morning stiffness and the imbalance to even stand. Despite everything I worked for yrs pushing through. But recently was in car accident that really made my body have severe pain. I want to work but wit all the pain it’s terrible. The sad part is when people see your appearance on the outside seems good. But don’t know the suffering you have internal. I need to find a great rheumatologist in Mich. If anyone knows of one please let me know. God bless.

  4. Sue

    Hi?
    I have lived a few years with fibromyalgia; I have been on permanent disability for over 3-years. My experience includes waking up with horrible nausea most mornings & ongoing pain/swelling in all my joints. My body’s internal thermostat is broken & I fight horrible sweats 1-2-3 times a day. Chronic fatigue & insomnia is debilitating.
    Cannabis provides a lot of relief, therefore, less meds?

  5. Claire Angel

    Hi
    I’ve been in excruciating back pain in my lower back,it reduces me to tears where I can’t move or get comfortable,it dos ease in the day,but still there if I over do walking standing or even sitting to long.Im at the stage of no medication can help me no more which is leading me to think suicidal thoughts just to be pain free as don’t know what to do with myself ????

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