I visit my rhumatologist every 3 months and have a full set of labs run each time I go. I am currently on Plaquenil. When I received my last set of lab results, my dsDNA numbers had improved. They are still abnormal, but have gone down some. I was reading that typically your numbers are higher just before a “flare”. Originally, I went in due to severe joint pain, exhaustion, rashes on face and body, etc. The only thing that has improved is my joints. I’m still beyond exhausted by noon and my face is still very sensitive to light.
Would my results be improving because of my meds? Or because I’m not currently in a flare?
unable to shed any light on this unfortunately. However, I do suggest you keep a few notes of what happens when & you may be able to discern a pattern. Kaz xo
Labs are very tricky and are not usually the best indicator. Lupus is so varied in each person it's hard to have a reliable blood test. Luckily I have a doctor who listens to me and my symptoms and alters my meds accordingly. Plaquenil really has helped. I am photo sensitive and being in the sun even with a lot of protection really makes me feel terrible. You need to be very careful with the sun and with fluoresent light bulbs. Always protect your skin and eyes. Plaquenil can cause problems in the eyes too so you need to have them checked at least once a year. Do you take vitamin D? We all really need that.
If you find Ann A.'s blogs she has great info on sun, vit.d and many other useful articles!
