I was diagnosed with lupus sle six months ago. I have joint pain in almost every joint and swelling in my legs and feet in the evenings. I have no energy. If I walk 10 steps I have to stop. My lower back hurts (kindey area). I have osterperosis and suffered 2 back fractures and rib fractures a year and a half ago. I also have muscle pain in my buttocks and run a fever off and on with extreme pain all over. I'm 51. What test do I need to find out if these symptoms are caused by lupus?

Research shows Lupus can cause fatigue after strenuous activity, commonly holds a low grade fever at times and is known to cause swelling, pain and aching of the joint in the upper/lower extremities as well as back, knees etc... Kidney involvement can also cause the back and sides to be ached.

The fractures and susceptibility to fractures are common for those who suffer with osteoporosis. Your Orthopaedic doctor or Rhuematologist should be monitoring your medications to ensure that you are on something for the osteoporosis. A bone scan would be wise to have done. Lupus medication such as Prednisone can be a contributor to osteoporosis and should always be offset by Calcium intake according to health experts.

Your back fractures could be contributing to the pain in your lower back, which could also be caused by walking with your legs in an awkward position due to the swelling. Kidney involvement in lupus, however, can be very dangerous, so you should see your doctor and get a blood test as soon as possible to find out if this is what's going on. Your fever could be caused by your lupus (in which case staying out of direct sunlight may help) or by an infection in your kidneys. The swelling you describe is very likely caused by lupus. It may be reduced by sitting with your feet raised up, by getting somebody to massage your feet and lower legs, or by sitting with your feet in a basin of hot water.

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