SLE Patient Case Studies: Denise

Hypothetical Patient
For Denise and her healthcare providers, arriving at a diagnosis of SLE took 2 years. Unfortunately, their story is not unusual.
Date | Presentation | Next Steps/Follow-Up |
---|---|---|
June 11, 2010 |
Patient presented with edema of ankles | Apparent effect from recent flight; advised to sleep with legs elevated |
Dec 20, 2010 | Patient reports joint pain, cold hands and feet, fever | Flu test negative. Referred for x-ray of painful joints. Scheduled follow-up visit |
Jan 20, 2011 | Joint pain follow-up visit. X-ray indicates no erosion or subluxation. Patient reports all symptoms resolved | Patient advised to make an appointment if symptoms return |
Aug 15, 2011 | Rash on cheeks and nose | Referred to dermatologist |
Aug 22, 2011 | Dermatologist report | Diagnosed with rosacea |
Feb 1, 2012 | Patient presented with severe abdominal pain; reports occasional fever | Referred to gastroenterologist |
Feb 7, 2012 | Gastroenterologist report | Symptoms resolved prior to visit without intervention; possible inflammatory bowel disease |
Jul 16, 2012 | Patient presented with severe Raynaud phenomenon | Referred to rheumatologist |
Aug 9, 2012 | Rheumatologist report | SLE diagnosis |