Any pointers? Unknown autoimmune issue

[ItsJustMeeee]

I'm in limbo after various blood tests and scans requested by my rheumatologist.

My main symptoms are:
Fatigue
Pain in spine and most joints
Skin rashes and severe allergic reactions to things I've used for years with no issues, eg washing powder, hair dye.
Insomnia
Brain fog and forgetfulness

Blood tests were positive for ANA and two inflammation tests showed raised levels.

Rheumatologist says my situation suggests something autoimmune. He wants to monitor and do further tests. In the meantime I feel lost - I'm frequently unwell, which has a huge impact on my life, yet I have no idea what's wrong. Can anyone relate to this or suggest possible avenues to explore?

Thanks

Ankolysing spondylitis? That can cause a lot of back pain.

one thing to consider though is it might not be one thing causing all the symptoms…so don’t feel you have to find one condition which ticks every box. It’s not unusual to have more than one autoimmune condition.

hope you get some answers soon. Will the rheumatologist try you on steroids or not?

Multiple sclerosis? Although I don't think allergic reactions is one as far as I know

Last time my skin went mad to things I'd used for years it was down to low vitamin d, which affects immunity, but I'm guessing they've checked that. Have you had covid?

Lupus is the first one that came to mind

There are so many autoimmune conditions and not every one experiences the same symptoms as others with the same disease.

Keep asking for tests and pushing for answers, unfortunately it can take years to get a proper diagnosis. I went around in circles for 5 years before I went private to get answers.

The NHS is wonderful however completely under resourced and not interested in finding the root cause, it’s all about managing symptoms and plastering over issues, I was put on so many different drugs in a bid to manage symptoms but they just made things worse. My rheumatologist appointments were every 6 months but never went anywhere.

There are lots of autoimmune diseases which could cause those symptoms.

I have one and found the AIP diet hardcore but worth it in terms of relieving symptoms, more so than medication to be honest. If I cut out certain trigger foods I am symptom free.

I'm not a doctor, but there's an autoimmune condition called rheumatoid arthritis that causes problems in joints, as well as fatigue and some skin symptoms. There are medicines for it. I agree with @AliceMcK that it would be good to keep pushing for answers and treatment.
In the meantime, try to get enough sleep, and exercise as much as you can manage comfortably under the circumstances.
I hope you get some answers and recovery very soon.

Did you get any further with this OP? I’m in the same boat!

if your ANA came back positive then why didn’t your rheumatologist send you for further blood tests to ascertain which antibodies you have? Knowing the antibody will inform what autoimmune condition you are or may be suffering from.

Did they not specify the ANA?

Scleroderma, lupus, SLE, myositis- could be anything. My test would say positive ANA and anti Jo or ro1 for example.