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Q: What's Your Opinion?!
asked by:
Gattuch23
New User
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Replies(9)
LadyBrannon
Active User, very eHealthy
Hi there and welcome!
You are experiencing what a lot of us have...The unknown.
could it be lupus? Sure, but there are tons of other things it could be too. To be honest, it does make sense to wait until you have all of these symptoms again and then do another round of bloodwork.
However, there *are* some thngs you can do to help the diagnosis along.
1) keep a meticulous diary. Did you run a fever today? What joints hurt? Did I have a headache? Where were the rashes? What did they look like? Etc. You get the idea.
2) get a copy of all your past blood tests for two reasons:
a) it will help the doctor you are currently seeing
b) it will tell you what tests they *have* done and what they *have not* done. Some tests to look for are...
Ana test (this will be in a ratio form. Slightly positive would be 1:160) anti-dna antibodies, c reactive protein, c3 and c4 (these are compliment levels), have you been tested for anemia? Have you been tested for anti-sm antibody test, anti-rnp antibody test, anti-ro antibody test...To name a few.
Also, they will want to look for anemia (low rbc count) or leukopenia (low wbc count).
I am also going to stick post the things to look for when trying to diagnose lupus.
I hope this helps! Hugs,
ladybrannon
You are experiencing what a lot of us have...The unknown.
could it be lupus? Sure, but there are tons of other things it could be too. To be honest, it does make sense to wait until you have all of these symptoms again and then do another round of bloodwork.
However, there *are* some thngs you can do to help the diagnosis along.
1) keep a meticulous diary. Did you run a fever today? What joints hurt? Did I have a headache? Where were the rashes? What did they look like? Etc. You get the idea.
2) get a copy of all your past blood tests for two reasons:
a) it will help the doctor you are currently seeing
b) it will tell you what tests they *have* done and what they *have not* done. Some tests to look for are...
Ana test (this will be in a ratio form. Slightly positive would be 1:160) anti-dna antibodies, c reactive protein, c3 and c4 (these are compliment levels), have you been tested for anemia? Have you been tested for anti-sm antibody test, anti-rnp antibody test, anti-ro antibody test...To name a few.
Also, they will want to look for anemia (low rbc count) or leukopenia (low wbc count).
I am also going to stick post the things to look for when trying to diagnose lupus.
I hope this helps! Hugs,
ladybrannon
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Gattuch23
New User
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LadyBrannon
Active User, very eHealthy
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LadyBrannon
Active User, very eHealthy
|
Gattuch23
New User
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LadyBrannon
Active User, very eHealthy
Things such as lupus and mctd are not able to be found in simple blood tests...Thus, there is no way they could test for it before you give blood.
As for the anemia, I highly suggest you confirm that they have at least ran the tests. Your doctor needs and will want to see those numbers.
If you feel that you have not been getting the answers you need, it might be wise to look for a new doctor. Just a thought...
Have you seen a rheumatologist? I can't recall from your first post...
hugs,
ladybrannon
As for the anemia, I highly suggest you confirm that they have at least ran the tests. Your doctor needs and will want to see those numbers.
If you feel that you have not been getting the answers you need, it might be wise to look for a new doctor. Just a thought...
Have you seen a rheumatologist? I can't recall from your first post...
hugs,
ladybrannon
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Gattuch23
New User
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LadyBrannon
Active User, very eHealthy
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Jenn
Experienced User
Hi,
i don't know about everyone else but I see my gp at least once a week. We have actually become friends. He doesn't treat me like i'm crazy. There is nothing wrong with going to your doctor and requesting a test. I find you have to tell doc's what to do most of the time anyway. :d
remember it's your body you are dealing with. You can have whatever tests you want.
Cheers,
jenn
i don't know about everyone else but I see my gp at least once a week. We have actually become friends. He doesn't treat me like i'm crazy. There is nothing wrong with going to your doctor and requesting a test. I find you have to tell doc's what to do most of the time anyway. :d
remember it's your body you are dealing with. You can have whatever tests you want.
Cheers,
jenn
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