Is it Shingles or one of my Cutaneous Porphyria rashes?

It's ITCHY AS HECK!
It's HOT HOT HOT and inflammed.
It "pocked up" in a day
It followed a nerve path
It happened after a cold sore attack
Was in the sun & have LUPUS & Cutaneous Porphyria

What do YOU think?
I need to plan a viral test WHEN I get this rash.  Did I mention it was ITCHY?

To Explain the photosensitive process in the skin, I have systemic lupus and with that circulating immune complexes in my blood that do the actual damage to tissue and skin.  Here is an explanation of that hypersensitve process:  Not all my rashes are necrotizing, but many are.
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_III_hypersensitivity
Type III hypersensitivity occurs when antigen-antibody complexes that are not adequately cleared by innate immune cells accumulate, giving rise to an inflammatory response and attraction of leukocytes.

Presentation

Type III hypersensitivity occurs when there is little antigen and an excess of antibody, leading to small immune complexes being formed that do not fix complement and are not cleared from the circulation. It is characterized by solvent antigens that are not bound to cell surfaces (which is the case in type II hypersensitivity). When these antigens bind antibodies, immune complexes of different sizes form.^[1] Large complexes can be cleared by macrophages but macrophages have difficulty in the disposal of small immune complexes. These immune complexes insert themselves into small blood vessels, joints, and glomeruli, causing symptoms. Unlike the free variant, a small immune complex bound to sites of deposition (like blood vessel walls) are far more capable of interacting with complement; these medium-sized complexes, formed in the slight excess of antigen, are viewed as being highly pathogenic.^[2]
Such depositions in tissues often induce an inflammatory response,^[3] and can cause damage wherever they precipitate. The cause of damage is as a result of the action of cleaved complement anaphylotoxins C3a and C5a, which, respectively, mediate the induction of granule release from mast cells (from which histamine can cause urticaria), and recruitment of inflammatory cells into the tissue (mainly those with lysosomal action, leading to tissue damage through frustrated phagocytosis by PMNs and macrophages).^[4]
The reaction can take hours, days, or even weeks to develop, depending on whether or not there is immunlogic memory of the precipitating antigen. Typically, clinical features emerge a week following initial antigen challenge, when the deposited immune complexes can precipitate an inflammatory response. Because of the nature of the antibody aggregation, tissues that are associated with blood filtration at considerable osmotic and hydrostatic gradient (e.g. sites of urinary and synovial fluid formation, kidney glomeruli and joint tissues respectively) bear the brunt of the damage. Hence, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis and arthritis are commonly-associated conditions as a result of type III hypersensitivity responses^[5]).
As observed under methods of histopathology, acute necrotizing vasculitis within the affected tissues is observed concomitant to neutrophilic infiltration, along with notable eosinophilic deposition (fibrinoid necrosis). Often, immunofluorescence microscopy can be used to visualize the immune complexes ^[5]). Skin response to a hypersensitivity of this type is referred to as an Arthus reaction, and is characterized by local erythema and some induration. Platelet aggregation, especially in microvasculature, can cause localized clot formation, leading to blotchy hemorrhages. This typifies the response to injection of foreign antigen sufficient to lead to the condition of serum sickness.^[4]

3 More Weeks Left - HELP!!!!

3 More Weeks Left - HELP!
Only 3 more weeks and I'm SO CLOSE to goal of raising $500 !!!!! I have $385, so if I had 25 of my friends donate just $5 I would make it!!!! PLEASE HELP!!
I was unable to walk two years ago at the last one, but nothing is stopping me THIS TIME!!!!! Please donate to Lupus Foundation of America to help find a cure for those of us living with lupus. Do it for the many young women afflicted by this disease and not for me. They have their whole lives ahead of them only to be taken away and foreshadowed by a lifetime of pain and unknowing what will happen when their body turns against itself next.
Thank YOU! Big HUGS! Love Julie
To chip in...
http://lupus.donorpages.com/Arizona2013/JuJuLupusWalk/
LUPUS is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

The NERVE of LUPUS!

LUPUS Neuropathies, I’ve wondered what IS the cause? Is it destruction to the myelin sheath? Is it the same as in diabetic neuropathy? Is it from inflammation in blood vessels or nerves or both?

Try asking a doctor that question..lupies-ask your rheumatologists..they are not quick to “go there”, although statistics are that 20% of all patients with systemic lupus (SLE) have neuropathy and of those 20% , only 4% have cranial neuropathies. I’d be hip to hearing YOUR stories and responses from your rheumatologists on the subject, so feel free to comment!

Those statistics IMO are right on the money! I’ve met many patients with lupus online, and about a quarter of them have neuropathy and out of those in the 3 years I’ve been online hanging out in support groups, I have met just about one dozen of us with lupus and trigeminal neuralgia, geniculate neuralgia, temporal arteritis, etc. I try to share information I find on medical sites at my other site here: http://lupuscranialneuropathies.blogspot.com/ .

Here is a good explanation of the process from Lupus International:


A variety of pathological processes may be involved in CNS lupus. The blood supply to a particular part of the brain can be disrupted due to autoimmune vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation), or clots formed as a result of antiphospholipid antibodies, or emboli that travel from a cardiac source. In some lupus patients, the thickness of their blood is increased causing hyperviscosity and this may disrupt blood flow. Anti-neuronal antibodies also may be produced in some lupus patients; these can have direct effects on the cells of the brain (neurons) and alter their function. The choroid plexus, a part of the brain that is the source of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF- a fluid bathing brain and spinal cord) may be involved thus causing diffuse problems. Several cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and interferon-γ are increased in CNS lupus and these have a direct effect on the neurons and can interfere with their function. Abnormalities of the hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands (the HPA axis) are common in lupus due to the disease itself as well as the effects of steroids and these abnormalities can cause some of the CNS disturbances lupus.


In addition, a number of secondary factors lead to the manifestations of CNS lupus such as infection (lupus patients are more prone to certain types of infections), medications (several drugs such as corticosteroids have significant CNS toxicity), hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, uremia (renal failure), thyroid disease, atherosclerotic strokes, and subdural hematomas. The concomitant presence of fibromyalgia in lupus patients is associated with an increase in functional neurological problems such as anxiety and cognitive dysfunction.

I have both peripheral and cranial (brainstem) neuropathies with myoclonic seizures. I take anti-seizure meds (tegretol) that help control them. Trigeminal neuralgia is considered to be the most painful condition known to man. There is no cure for nerve damage.

The LFA has some of the best information on lupus and neuropathy. From http://www.lfa.org:
The Nervous System

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost any part of your body, including your joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, or blood. Lupus can also affect the nervous system and brain. There are several terms doctors use to describe this: neuropsychiatric lupus (NP-SLE), neurocognitive dysfunction, or central nervous system lupus (CNS lupus). Your nervous system has three parts, any of which may be affected by lupus.
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and the spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a network of nerves that connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, and gives skin and muscles the signals needed for sensation and movement.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) allows communication between spinal and peripheral nerves and the brain and internal organs, and controls functions like breathing, blood flow, and heart rate.

People with lupus can experience a number of complications when their nervous system is affected. The symptoms may come on suddenly or may come and go, but they will vary depending upon the location and extent of the tissue injury. These symptoms also can be present in other diseases, so diagnosing lupus-related nervous system disorders is often difficult.

Neurologists are the physicians who specialize in the nervous system. They may rely on a number of diagnostic tools to determine whether lupus is involved in your cognitive problems:
x-rays
brain scans (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT)
electroencephalograms (to capture the electrical pattern of brain activity)
spinal tap (to examine fluid in the spinal column)

Behavioral and cognitive tests may also be done to find out if your memory or other mental abilities have been affected.

Depending on the symptoms, a variety of medications are available to treat lupus-related nervous system disorders, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, and steroids. Your response to treatment may be rapid or gradual over several months. For many people with lupus, nervous system involvement is completely reversible.
Central Nervous System (CNS)

When lupus affects your central nervous system, many symptoms may occur, including:
headaches
confusion
fatigue
depression
seizures
strokes
vision problems
mood swings
difficulty concentrating

Drugs used to treat lupus can cause side effects that are similar to the symptoms of CNS lupus. If you have symptoms of CNS lupus you should consult a neurologist who can determine which symptoms are side effects of medication and which are due to lupus. The drugs most known for causing symptoms like those of CNS lupus are:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – may cause headache, dizziness, confusion, and in rare instances, meningitis-like symptoms
Antimalarials – in very high doses (not usually given for lupus) may cause manic behavior, seizures, psychosis
Corticosteroids – may cause agitation, confusion, mood swings, psychosis, depression
Anti-hypertensive medications – may cause depression or loss of sex drive

A serious form of lupus called CNS vasculitis may occur when there is inflammation of the blood vessels of the brain. Characterized by high fevers, seizures, psychosis, and meningitis-like stiffness of the neck, CNS vasculitis is the most dangerous form of lupus involving the nervous system and usually requires hospitalization and high doses of corticosteroids to suppress the inflammation.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The nerves of your peripheral nervous system control your motor responses and sensation, so symptoms of numbness or tingling, or inability to move a part of your body, may be the result of lupus affecting these nerves. Known as peripheral neuropathies, symptoms of PNS nerve damage are caused by inflammation of the nerves or by compression of the nerves due to swelling in the tissue around them. The types of symptoms you might experience include:
vision problems
facial pain
ringing in the ears
dizziness
drooping of an eyelid
carpel tunnel syndrome
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The autonomic nervous system regulates many of your body’s functions that happen almost automatically: heart rate, blood pressure, feeling hot or cold, bladder and bowel functions, release of adrenalin, breathing, sweating, and muscle movement. Lupus can cause these nerve signals to be overactive, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms:
numbness
burning
tingling
mental confusion
headaches
gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea

Raynaud’s phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition of ANS involvement caused by inflammation of nerves or blood vessels. Blood vessels in your hands and feet go into spasm and restrict blood flow, usually as a reaction to cold temperatures, with the tips of the fingers or toes turning red, white, or blue. Raynaud’s can also cause pain, numbness, or tingling in fingers and/or toes. People who have Raynaud’s phenomenon are advised to avoid cold conditions when possible, and may have to wear gloves or mittens when in air-conditioned surroundings.

Livedo reticularis and palmar erythema are two other skin disorders that may affect you if you have autonomic nerve damage. Both of these conditions can cause a bluish, lacelike mottling under your skin, especially on your legs, giving your skin a “fishnet” look.

Cognitive Dysfunction

As many as half of all people with lupus describe feelings of confusion, fatigue, memory loss, and difficulty expressing their thoughts. This collection of symptoms is termed cognitive dysfunction, although many people call it “lupus fog.”

Cognitive dysfunction most often affects people with mild to moderately active lupus. The causes of these symptoms, and the reasons that the symptoms tend to come and go, are not known. Living with cognitive dysfunction can be very frustrating. However, you can learn to improve your concentration and lessen confusion and memory loss with a variety of coping skills, including puzzles, games, biofeedback, using a daily appointment calendar, and balancing daily activities to reduce stress.

Lupus Headache

Compared with the general population, people with lupus may be twice as likely to experience migraine-like lupus headaches, commonly known as lupus headaches. The features of lupus headaches are similar to migraines and may be seen more often in people who also have Raynaud’s phenomenon. However, headaches can also be caused by vasculitis, a symptom of active lupus due to inflammation of the blood vessels. If you are experiencing headaches that are not improved by an over-the-counter headache medication, be sure to tell your doctor.

LUPUS from the Bowels

& Inflammatory Arthritis & Sacroiliitis

From the bowels means just what it sounds like, a little TMI here, but it's part of some our experiences with lupus. Do you have Inflammatory bowel syndrome? Not quite the same as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) but a PITA just the same! (LOL - PITA, get it?)

Some of the symptoms are constipation, inability to empty your bowels, bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhea. If you do, and you have lupus like I do it can lead to inflammatory arthritis! I did not know this and I am on my second terrible bout of the beast. I've been living on promethazine for nausea for many years.


Perhaps because I also have interstitial cystitis also and a 8mm slipped vertebrae at L4/L5 picking up some inflammatory arthritis in the si joint was a perfect storm.

I'll tell ya (and you can look at my earlier blogs from Dec during my worst ever attack of sacroillitis-it is P A I N FU L!!!!!! I couldn't walk without help, get up or down, sleep on either side, was hot to the touch above my buttocks, my stomach was upset, my pelvis hurt, my legs ached. It's just awful! My grandmother who had undiagnosed lupus and RA had ankylosing spondylitis and it was so severe she was hunchbacked. My poor grandmother, us ungrateful grandkids nicknamed her the Buzzard, how AWFUL! I'm sorry Grandma (looking up at heaven)...

I found some great info on sacroillitis and inflammatory arthritis caused by inflammation from bowel dysfunction-which is common in lupus!  Here it is from: http://www.orthop.washington.edu/?q=patient-care/articles/arthritis/inflammatory-bowel-disease.html

Basics of inflammatory bowel disease

Arthritis means inflammation of joints. Inflammation is a body process that can result in pain swelling warmth redness and stiffness. Sometimes inflammation can also affect the bowel. When it does that process is called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is actually two separate diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Prognosis

With proper treatment most people who have these diseases can lead full active lives. Usually the inflammation of joints in IBD lasts only a short time and does not cause permanent deformity. With the bowel symptoms under control through medication and diet the outlook for the joints is excellent. 

Incidence

Both men and women are affected equally. The arthritis of IBD can appear at any age but is most common between the ages of 25 and 45.

Joint inflammation begins most often when the colon (the large intestine) is involved in the disease process. In adults the arthritis is usually most active when the bowel disease is active. Indeed the amount of bowel disease usually influences the severity of the arthritis. In children the arthritis is not as often associated with increased bowel disease activity.

Symptoms

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis produces inflammation and breakdown along the lining of the colon (see figure 1). Inflammation usually begins in the rectum and extends up the colon. Symptoms may include rectal bleeding abdominal cramping weight loss and fever.

The bowel symptoms often occur before the symptoms of arthritis. When ulcerative colitis is present the arthritis is most likely to occur if there is severe bleeding or if the area around the anus is inflamed. When only the rectum is involved the chance of getting arthritis is less.

Most of the time the arthritis flares (becomes worse) when the bowel symptoms flare. An exception is during the first episode of arthritis which can come at any time. One or more joints may be affected and the symptoms often move from joint to joint. The hips knees and ankles are involved most often although any joint may be affected. The joints may be very painful red and hot but these symptoms usually do not result in permanent damage.

About one-fourth of people with IBD who develop arthritis have a skin rash on the lower legs frequently seen when the arthritis flares. One characteristic rash usually consists of small reddish lumps which are very painful to the touch. This skin condition is called erythema nodosum.

People with ulcerative colitis can develop another form of arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis which involves inflammation of the spine. It usually begins around the sacroiliac joints at the bottom of the back (see figure 2). Symptoms of spondylitis generally do not accompany bowel symptoms in ulcerative colitis. If just the sacroiliac joints are inflamed the symptoms are fairly mild. When the spine is affected however it may be quite painful and even disabling. This can result in stiffness or rigidity.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease usually involves either the colon or the ileum the lower small intestine. It may affect both or any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the rectum. The inflammation involves all layers of the intestinal wall and may lead to scarring and narrowing of the bowel. Fever weight loss and loss of appetite are common symptoms of Crohn's disease.

The arthritis of Crohn's disease can occur before after or at the same time as the bowel symptoms. As with ulcerative colitis the large joints such as the knees and ankles are generally affected though not necessarily on both sides of the body and back pain can result from ankylosing spondylitis.

Causes

The cause of inflammatory bowel disease is not known. Research suggests that the immune system the body's natural defense against foreign invaders is somehow altered in people with these conditions. Researchers believe that the chronic (long-lasting) inflammation present in the intestines of persons with both forms of IBD damages the bowel. This may permit bacteria to enter the damaged bowel wall and circulate through the bloodstream. The body's reaction to this bacteria may then cause problems in other areas of the body. The most common is inflammation of the joints. Other problems include skin sores inflammation of the eyes and certain types of liver disease.

Diagnosis

The history taken by the doctor is the most important part of the diagnosis. Certain information--such as the way the arthritis began the specific joints involved and the relationship between joint and bowel symptoms--is very helpful for diagnosis. The appearance of the joints their range of motion and pain or tenderness during the physical examination are also important. Usually X-rays of the joints are normal unless the joints of the spine are affected. Then damage is visible in X-rays. A blood test for the presence of a substance called HLA-B27 in the blood cells is sometimes helpful in diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis. This substance is an inherited factor present in a much higher frequency among people who have IBD and spondylitis than in the normal population.

Treatment Usually these conditions are treated with medication exercise and sometimes surgery.

Health care team

A gastroenterologist (specialist in diseases of the digestive tract) is usually the doctor who directs treatment but an arthritis or skin specialist may be needed as well.

Diet

Your doctor may give you a special diet to help control your bowel disease. If so follow it carefully. Control of your bowel disease may also help your arthritis. Many diets are advertised as arthritis "cures." There is no known diet that can cure arthritis caused by IBD.

Exercise and therapy

Your doctor or physical therapist will probably design a program of exercises for you to follow every day. Proper exercise helps to reduce stiffness maintain joint motion and strengthen the muscles around the joints. Maintaining the range of motion of affected joints is important in order to prevent or reduce deformity caused by lack of use. If you have ankylosing spondylitis range of motion exercises of the spine are of benefit. Deep breathing exercises are emphasized because motion of the ribs may eventually be restricted as the disease moves up the spine. If you smoke you should stop in order to help prevent breathing complications.

If you find exercising to be painful take a warm shower or bath before you exercise. This should lessen the pain and stiffness. Begin the exercises slowly and plan them for the times of the day when you have the least pain.

Good posture is essential for the person with ankylosing spondylitis and IBD. The spine should be kept as straight as possible at all times. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. Sleep on your stomach or back on a firm mattress. If you need to use a pillow under your head only use a thin one or one that fits the hollow of your neck. Avoid pillows under your knees. Keep your body as straight as you can. Avoid lying in a curled position.

Medications

Several medications may be helpful in controlling arthritis and IBD. Sulfasalazine is a very useful sulfa drug. The other medications fall into certain groups of drugs: corticosteroids, immunosuppressives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) helps to control both the bowel disease and the symptoms of arthritis. It is usually started at a low dose to lessen possible side effects and then increased if needed. The most common side effects are nausea and headaches. The nausea may be controlled by taking the drug with food or by using the enteric-coated form of the drug. (This form is specially designed to dissolve in the bowel not in the stomach.)

Sulfasalazine can usually be taken safely for a long time. Some people however develop an allergy to sulfasalazine in the form of a rash and fever. Giving the drug in frequent very small doses may enable the person to tolerate the drug without producing a rash or other reaction. When sulfasalazine cannot be taken due to side effects or allergy olsalazine (Dipentum) or mesalamine (Asacol) may be taken but these drugs have not been shown to be effective against arthritis.

Corticosteroids are similar to cortisone a hormone produced by the body. They are strong anti-inflammatory drugs which can help both the symptoms of the bowel and the joints. They are used only when the symptoms are severe because they may produce serious side effects when taken for a long time. These side effects include thinning of bones (osteoporosis) cataracts reduced resistance to infection diabetes obesity and high blood pressure.

Be sure to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor before taking corticosteroids. Most of the side effects decrease and eventually go away as the dosage is reduced and stopped. Once you begin taking these drugs however never stop or change the dosage on your own.

Immunosuppressives such as azathioprine (Imuran) are used on occasion for arthritis and Crohn's disease. By suppressing the immune system they reduce inflammation. The most common side effect of these medications is a decrease in white blood cells which can cause an increased risk of infections. Other side effects of these medications may include fever rash vomiting hair loss and liver toxicity. Immunosuppressives therefore are used with caution.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are helpful in controlling the pain swelling and stiffness of inflamed joints. To work effectively they must be taken every day during the arthritis episode.

NSAIDs may produce nausea indigestion and heart burn. In addition they may cause bleeding from the stomach and make the underlying bowel disease worse so they are used with caution in IBD. These side effects can usually be decreased if the drug is taken with food fluid or an antacid.

Surgery

Surgical removal of the diseased bowel is usually a permanent cure for ulcerative colitis. This surgery also puts an end to any arthritis that may be present unless the arthritis involves the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis may last even after removal of the diseased colon.

Crohn's disease does not respond as well to surgery. Surgical removal of the diseased bowel may be necessary but it does not cure Crohn's disease. Thus symptoms of arthritis may recur when and if bowel symptoms reappear.

Strategies for coping

Living with arthritis and IBD can be very difficult at times. In addition to pain and discomfort you may have to deal with changes in your appearance or in your leisure time activities. These changes may leave you sad depressed or angry. Relaxation techniques are coping skills that can help you relieve pain and stress and adjust to the changes in your life.

It helps to talk about your feelings with family, members friends or someone else who has arthritis and IBD. Ask your doctor about educational programs materials or support groups for people who have arthritis as well as their families.

Resources

Another source of help is the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Inc. (CCFA). It provides educational materials and programs for people who have IBD. To locate the chapter nearest you contact the CCFA at info@ccfa.org write to them at 386 Park Avenue South 17th Floor New York NY 10016-8804 or call toll-free (800) 932-2423.

Credits

Some of this material may also be available in an Arthritis Foundation brochure. Contact the Washington/Alaska Chapter Helpline: (800) 542-0295. If dialing from outside of WA and AK contact the National Helpline: (800) 283-7800.

 

"Ya Give Me FEVER"!!!!

Lupus Fevers.  Low Grade.  For me it's the ole 99.9. Usually for me they are the telltale sign of an incoming lupus flare.  "INCOMING!" Watch Out!!!  lol.  I usually get the low grade fevers at the same time each afternoon, but not this time.  This time they pop in for a visit anytime during the day or night.  They are tiredsome.  They are exhausting and uncomfortable.  They are a real drag. 

I'm not surprised I have something going on.  Discoid rashes, vascular rashes and lesions, hives and other cutaneous manifestions are normal for me on an everyday basis, so I don't consider those a lupus flare.  A lupus flare is defined as any onslaught of symptoms not usually experienced that indicate an increase in disease activity.  For me, I had my first when I was diagnosed with lupus in March 2010 with lupus nephritis (my kidneys are in remission btw!!!) and I lost 40 pounds without trying, I experienced malaise, or just a huge under the weather feeling. 

Second flare I also lost a large amount of weight, again with the malaise and this time required a blood transfusion and was dx'd with hemalytic anemia (with my lupus-a sidedish, lol).

This time I think it's just a small flare, no real malaise (yet), a minor bout of sacroillitis, no weight loss (poo), a major discoid rash on my neck and upper back and a tonage of mouth and nose sores.  I think my superhuman lupus healing powers have done their job, I healed like a champ after surgery, but those superhuman lupus powers don't know when to stop, so their still going...attacking my own body a bit.  Hence the fevers.

Solution:  We all know the drill.  The dreaded/beloved/hated/dreaded/thank goodness for it/ prednisone.  Steroids.  That shot to the immune system that says "Shut the heck up already!!!!".  I'm sure the fevers will end shortly.  :)  HUGS, Julie

From Web MD:   Fever : Most people with lupus will sometimes have a low-grade fever related to the disease. Fever is sometimes a first sign of the disease.

From National Institute of Arthritis: 

Patient Information Sheet #8, Fever and Lupus

Fever is often a part of lupus. For some people with lupus, an intermittent (coming and going) or continuous low-grade fever may be normal. Other people, especially those taking large doses of aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroids, may not have fever at all because these drugs may mask a fever.

If you have lupus, you may be more vulnerable to certain infections than other people who don’t have lupus. In addition, you may be more prone to infection if you are taking any immunosuppressive drugs for your lupus. Be alert to a temperature that is new or higher than normal for you, because it could be a sign of a developing infection or a lupus flare.

Caring for Yourself

Take your temperature at least once a day (or more often if needed) to determine what a “normal” temperature is for you.

Take your temperature and watch for a fever any time you feel chills or do not feel well.

Call your doctor immediately if you have a new or higher-thannormal temperature.

Even if you don’t have a fever, don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you do not feel well in any way, particularly if you are taking aspirin, NSAIDs, or a corticosteroid. Signs of infection other than a fever include unusual pain, cramping or swelling, a headache with neck stiffness, cold or flu symptoms, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in urine or stool.

Talk to your doctor about immunization against pneumococcal pneumonia and the flu.

Practice good personal hygiene.

Avoid large crowds and people who are sick.