Does anyone know anything about lupus?

[VivaLeBeaver]

I think my dad may have it and just wondering if anyone can confirm any of these symptoms, have been googling for ages and it seems to fit.

Massive constant headache, feeling of pressure in his head.
Joint pain, feeling of weakness in his legs so bad that he struggles to walk.
deafness
purple spotty rash over most of his body
swollen/inflammed eyes
feeling of pressure in his ears
fatigue
raised BP, SOMETHING LIKE 200/100, 90mg nifedipine isn't working.

All these symptoms came on suddenly (overnight)2 years ago and haven't gone yet.

When he had his initial flare up his bloods were deranged. Raised CRP and white cell count, these have normalised. Drs still not sure whats wrong with him, they suspect some type of vasculitis but not certain. They initially treated him with chemotherapy which helped to a certain extent but he's still very ill.

Lupus is very difficult to diagnose by looking at symptom lists as it has such a range and variety of symptoms. When he gets his joint pain looked at (rheumatologist?) go with him and ask which autoimmune disorders they are testing for - to put your mind at rest. I'm a clinical academic, but this is not my field so take what I say just as general advice (this is not my field, however, because I have autoimmune disorders myself - so I do have a personal/ unprofessional interest).

At a glance though I would say lupus is unlikely here as nothing points to autoimmune and the vasculitis explains the symptoms that do fit. If the up/down of his inflammation/immune system is not having any effect on his symptoms then it is probably not the root cause. A number of the symptoms could be down to his BP, so you need to sort that out before you can weed out the symptoms of what else is wrong. The overnight and extreme start to the condition is also unusual for autoimmune conditions and would more likely suggest some sort of initial infection or exposure - although this acting as a trigger is not impossible.

I hope you get your answer soon, it must be a horrible time for you all. Things to think about before next consultation are: what is wrong with his eyes - inflamed first thing in the morning or dry or irritated so more rubbed. Do any painkillers give any relief - if so, which ones? Head pressure better when lying down? Does deafness vary - with ear pressure? Does the rash include his mouth? The more specific you can be about the symptoms the faster you can find out what is wrong. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. He spent 6 months in hospital so they got a very good idea when he was there of exactly what his symptoms are/were but it didn't seem to help.

I don't think he's ever seen a rheumatologist though, I'll ask him about that tomorrow and if he hasn't tell him to press for a referral.

my friend has similar symptoms and he has been dignosed with dermatomyositis. He has been given methotrexate in combination with a cocktail of drugs and is now well managed.