I have been looking up info on the compliment c4. The rhuemy only mentioned c3 and c4, I am now wondering if she measured c1. I guess this can be realted to kidney functions. I have been having other symptoms that I did not mention to her as, I thought they might be from weight gain. About a month ago, I was having edema in my legs when I woke in the am- also my eyes have looked puffy. Felt just like I did with pre-eclampsia. I also had upper right quad pain with the pre-eclampsia so, it may all be related. It lasted a few weeks, then....

It just so happened that my family practice doctor put me on a low fat, low cholestrol diet -as my cholestrol is high and my bloodpressure was going up/borderline high. My pressure was usually 116/75 (give or take a few points) almost never over 120/80. Now it's been around 134/85. After changing to an almost vegetarian diet, the swelling in my legs stopped.

I guess I call rhuemy's the office on monday.

I hope you don't mind me posting here. I have yet to be diagnosis - just something auto-immune. The possibilities mentioned were lupus, ra, and thyroid. I know it can take a while to differentiate and get a correct diagnosis and it is harder when bloodwork is negative.

Thanks for your patience,

karen

Post away!

c3 and c4 are two levels that are usually monitored in lupus patients. C3 and c4 can go low *sometimes* when flaring.

Hugs,
ladybrannon