Dairy Farmer Misdiagnosed with Lyme Disease Had Lupus

Brie Hyde, a dairy farmer, experienced chronic fatigue and joint pain, which doctors initially treated as Lyme disease. However, after years of worsening symptoms, she was diagnosed with lupus. Hyde's journey to diagnosis was complex and involved multiple misdiagnoses.

Symptoms and Misdiagnosis

Hyde's symptoms began with intense hand pain, which she initially attributed to the physical demands of her job. The pain eventually spread to her feet, ankles, knees, and hips, and she developed fevers during the summer. Doctors initially treated her for Lyme disease, prescribing prednisone and antibiotics, which provided temporary relief. However, her symptoms persisted, and she noticed a lacy pattern under her skin and a strange reaction to sunlight.

Lupus Diagnosis and Treatment

Hyde's primary care physician ordered blood tests, which revealed a high Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test result. She was then referred to a rheumatologist, who diagnosed her with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Hyde's treatment journey involved a long process of trial and error, with various medications causing severe allergic reactions or failing to improve her symptoms. She eventually found relief with Saphnelo infusion, which she started in March 2023.

Living with Lupus

Hyde still experiences flares, but her condition is under control. She carefully plans her daily activities to avoid triggering flares and weighs the risks of social events and travel. Despite the challenges, Hyde has regained parts of her old life and works on her farm, vacations with her children, and participates in activities she once feared she might lose. She hopes sharing her experience will help others feel less alone in their journey with lupus.

Key points

• Brie Hyde was misdiagnosed with Lyme disease for years before being diagnosed with lupus.
• Hyde's symptoms began with intense hand pain and eventually spread to other parts of her body.
• She was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus.
• It takes an average of nearly 6 years for a person to receive an accurate lupus diagnosis.
• Hyde's treatment journey involved a long process of trial and error with various medications.
• She eventually found relief with Saphnelo infusion, which she started in March 2023.