How can one be sure that one is dealing with a rheumatological problem that has neurological symptoms vs

Rheumatology or Neurology Problem?

How can one be sure that one is dealing with a rheumatological problem that has neurological symptoms vs. a neurological problem? Overall problems are fatigue, flu-like malaise, muscle/joint pain (elbows,knees, jaw, neck), some sensory problems and diagnosed neurogenic bladder.

My specific questions:

1. How can one be sure of whether a problem is rheumatic vs. neurologic when there are some neurologic problems?

2. If I have arthralgia (pain in joints without swelling), how can I be sure that it is truly joint pain vs. nerve pain? What is the difference and how can one tell?

3. I have tested consistently positive for ANA (usually 640), one time for anticardiolipid antibodies (IGM of 15), and frequently high SED rate. Other than that, no other markers. Does this shed any light on rheumatic vs. neurological problems being the cause, as I understand all of these markers can be seen in normal, healthy individuals.

Thank you! Cindy 1-4-05

Dr comment: "An elevated ANA level would suggest more of a rheumatological than neurological cause."

My Opinion:

Based on the assortment of symptoms you share, I would strongly suggest that you consider exposure to ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-butoxyethanol) It causes all of these by itself. I suspect that it is the cause of CFS, CFIDS, FM ... the 'gulf war syndrome' symptoms and what happened to many during WWII and the Vietnam War.

What were you doing just before the flu-like symptoms showed up? That would most likely be your source of exposure.

I believe there are many late appearing 'birth defects' that it can cause, too, such as the serious arthritis (an autoimmune dysfunction many times) etc

http://home.gci.net/~blessing/pages/thefatigue.htm

Why I've looked into this chemical poisoning
http://home.gci.net/~blessing/pages/who.htm

3-26-05

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