Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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could use some help

deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. They say maybe lupus, having ruled out Rheumatoid arthritis.

I have to find a new doctor. This one only wants to hear about one symptom a visit. A few weeks ago I had four. Four weird ones.

Any ideas on how to tell for sure if it is lupus? And what kind of test to ask for?

Thanks,
Torrie
penny59
penny59
first of all .i think you need to find a new doctor.one that will let you talk about more than one symptom...it takes a long time to diagnois.good luck..hugs marie
deleted_user
deleted_user
You will need to see a rheumatologist to get a definite diagnosis. Have your GP refer you to one, and then have the following lupus-related diagnostic tests done: ANA, anti-DNA, anticardiolipin, and anti-Smith(Sm).
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks everybody. The doctor above was a rheumatologist. I have an appointment with a new one in a month. That's why I wanted to know what tests to get. He was the one who said it might be rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. A test just ruled out the arthritis. I have a sed rate of 85 and test positive for inflammation in my joints and muscles. Been going thru this for 8 years.

In the midst of a 2nd flare up. Lumps on my wrist and feet. Throat and neck swollen..
Sometimes hard to turn neck

Have mental fog and mispronounce words

Fatigue is unreal. I did not know it was possible to be this tired.
Joints and muscles hurt.

Dry mouth and hot flashes and chills.

Does any of this sound like lupus?
I can't take Nsaids, can't do the steriods or anti-malarial drugs.

Are there any other drugs to try?

Thank you everyone for your help.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ask for a lupus work up.It has a lot of tests in it the maine one being ANA.
I would talk to the doctor when you first get there. Explain that you left the other because you did not feel as if you were being listened to. Tell the doctor you want to establish a working relationship with them for your health care. Remember YOU are the boss! The doctor is working for you. A good doctor will listen to you and answer you questions. Make a list of what you want to talk about. Do not let them fluff you off. If they do not want to cover your list and explain things to you so that you can undserstand them find a new doctor. You may have to go to more than one but you will eventully find one you can work with.
Good luck....Deb
deleted_user
deleted_user
I just answered a discussion post entitled "what are the main symptoms of lupus..." you may want to check it out. I listed the 11 symptoms that the ACR uses to determine a diagnosis of lupus. In order to be definitively diagnosed with lupus, a patient only has to manifest four of the 11 symptoms.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Look up the LUpus criteria from books or websites. There are like at least 10 and you must have at least 3 i think.
Get a copy of all your bloodwork, lab results. They will look at your wbc,rbc,dna,ana etc
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