I was recently asked for an update so here it is, I have an appt with a rheumy Jan 9th. It will be my first since the jerk I saw last year. Upon reading the very many post here,it sounds like I will need further bloodwork. My primary said I had a mild case of Lupus just based on my symptoms and 2nd positive direct ANA, but I am gathering the rheumy will wan't additional bloodwork. I have gone through many posts here and feel I am learning allot about lupus, but am thinking I don't have a solid diagnosis just yet. Was wondering if you can have a positive direct ANA symptoms such as painful joints, extreme fatigue, bumps in my scalp, on and off elevated liver enzymes (don't drink daily or binge drink)?
And last but not least THANK YOU ALL FOR THE MANY RESPONSES AND SUPPORT, I HAVE GONE THROUGH MANY EMOTIONS WITH ALL OF THIS!!!
Thank you so much for the update as i appreciate it and other members...plus i'm pleased by what members have said to you besides the discussions your taking it in and learning alot more, where Lupus is concerned this is a main issue needing to know as much as you can.
I really do hope your rheumo appointment goes well on the 9th and you get alot more joy like i did with my 2nd rheumo...even though your other bloods came in saying what they did seeing another new one, expect more bloods to be done as a large majority like to take more and if that happens then they'll be judged against your past ones.
The floowing symptoms you asked about..yes you do get these with a positive ANA and without...people can still have Lupus with the blood showing negative but it's down to the rheumo you see...some are what we call here in the UK as STICKLERS.
"positive direct ANA symptoms such as painful joints, extreme fatigue, bumps in my scalp"
Regarding on and off elevated liver enzymes..the link below explains the issues of what causes this for you also.
Cheetah_Spirit Tez is right. You may have more lab work. My ANA was high and now my SED Rate went from 8 to 50. Prednisone is now at a higher dose.
When I was diagnosed back in 2000, I had fatigue and bumps on my scalp and had discoyd sores on my arm. After 3 years of not knowing what was going on I was finally diagnosed with SLE & Discoid Lupus.
Keep us posted
You've made an excellent comment regarding bloods and it's all down to how Lupus is active, at the moment Cheetah_Spirit's blood maybe just showing low and lupus activity maybe low but it only wants changes to trigger it and it can soon rise.
It's just these rheumo's are so stubborn at times unless 150% of proof is facing them...while patients suffer :)
Good morning, I am new to the ANA gig, but not new to pain. I've suffered pain and viral infections since age 9. I have a positive ANA, but the numbers are not high enough to have a solid Dx. The rheum doc said, "I do not know why you have chronic pain.” He went onto say, "Maybe you are in the early stages of lupus, IF so, these tests will not pick up early stages." Then he suggested I go get retested in about 5 to six YEARS. For me, I think I will keep on top of all the blood work. In September, I had 0 ANA. In November it was 1:148.
Yes your rheumy will definitely want more labs done. As I am sure you have read…even if it is staring them in the face they are not quick to diagnose lupus so don’t get discouraged if in the beginning they don’t proclaim it right away. It is always a battle!!! I had one tell me I had lupus and RA then a year later tried to say it was undifferentiated connective tissue disease!! Needless to say I have since switched docs and seem to be somewhat back on track. Good luck!!! Let us know what happens at appt
I too have been told I have a mild case (but then the next time I go in it's a sevear case) and I too have had the pleasure of dealing with a not so wonderful rheumy. I also have everything except the liver enzymes. My primary also did a round of bloodwork, but my Rheumy ordered a full panel when I went to see him, so I wouldn't be surprised if you were asked for more. I am about to go through another full panel and get things checked out again. I get blood work done every 3 months right now. Not usually full panels, but just to check the ANA levels and a few other things.
Hang in there girlie, hopefully this new Rheumy will finally be able to help you! Ask questions, don't be afraid. I was and I was more confused than anything for the longest time.
I've been reading the comments since i was last on...and a large majority have gone through what Cheetah_Spirit is...it's just one never ending story like i've mentioned.
Never give up hope and also be very determined on knowing what's going on that's one thing i've learnt over the years.
Regarding bloods don't we all just love those needles LOL
My blood test levels go up and down all of the time. My initial blood tests showed that I had SLE Lupus and my diagnosis date was October 10, 2003. Since then, my levels have gone up and down depending upon the medicines I'm on and how my flares are going. The SLE hasn't gone away or gone into remission AT ALL, but the test levels continue to change. My symptoms continue to show that I have active SLE and the Rheumo must take those into consideration...not just the blood tests! It takes a combination of things to diagnose someone with Lupus.
Don't give up! Keep trying and insist that your doctor stay with it and work with you! HUGS! Lori
LOL