Hey everyone, first I just wanted to say thank you for all the kind comments and support, they really helped my get through this weekend. So it was not a big deal, and the news that I got was actually good. They redid an ANA test and even though there was still swelling, he said it was a lot lower then before. Since I have a huge ear infection and actually have been getting IV meds, it makes sense that the tests came back a little normal. So right now I have no official diagnosis. He wants to wait 6 weeks and retest when I'm healthy.
I guess he did lots of blood tests and there was a positive indicator for something called raynauds. But as far as physical symptoms I don't have any, my hands aren't turning colors due to temperature changes, etc. So basically for now, I'm okay. In 6 weeks we will retest, but I'm really happy and relieved about these results.
Thanks again for all the support, it means so much so me and I will try to offer this community as much as I can in return :)
How did you make out with your tests? I've had 2 ear infectons this year. Do you have a problem with ear wax? I finally fired my ENT and found a new one who cleared up my ear infection with a "powder" he put in my ear. I am waiting also, my husband has a ct scan and bone scan tomorrow to see if his cancer came back. The Dr thinks it has only its not in the prostate he thinks it has gone to the bone. That waiting is terrible.
My tests went well, and my ear infection is finally pretty normal. I have always had ear problems, and actually just a couple years ago I had to get my tonsils taken out because I kept getting sick. I've never had a powder that a doctor put in my ear, this time when they did the steroids and antibiotics by shots (it was supposed to be by IV but they couldn't find a vein) it has cleared up. I'm still taking antibiotics and doing ear drops every 4 hours though.
The tests my rheumatologist did came back well, like I said. They redid the ANA test and it came back showing less significantly less swelling, barely over normal. He also said that I did have something called raynaud's come back with a positive indicator. I don't know much about it, but apparently your hands can turn colors due to cold temperatures. I don't have any of the symptoms for this though. Basically, the doctor said we are going to wait 6 weeks and retest since I'm still healing over the ear infection and mono right now. He hasn't yet made any diagnosis, so I'm still crossing my fingers and praying.
I'm really, really sorry to hear about your husband. That's horrible, and I know how hard waiting is. I will say a prayer for you both and I hope that the cancer has not spread. While I spent the weekend waiting I tried to read, watch funny shows, and play with my dogs, just to do anything to distract me from thinking about medical stuff. I know it's easier said then done, and there were quite a few times where I just broke down with worry and needed to cry, and that's okay too. Just know that you're not alone, and I'll send all my prayers and good thoughts to you and your husband.
This is a great place to find information about Lupus and Autoimmune disorders and to have the most wonderful support! I was diagnosed in 2003. My blood work was inconclusive, but I had some lesions on my skin at the time, that were misdiagnosed as other things several times. My dermatologist actually put me in a UV box as treatment for what they thought was a rare skin disorder. I lit up like a Christmas tree! So, then I had a skin biopsy. ( I could hear my doctor and her partner discussing me and I heard her say, "SLE?". I told my husband, "they think I have Lupus"). Of course, it would take several days to get results. It was January and we had snow and ice, so I couldn't go back in to meet with my doctor to get the news. She had to call me to tell me. The verdict, Systemic Lupus (at the time primarily affecting my skin). She made an appointment for me, but wanted me to start prednisone right away. She asked that I not do my own research on the internet, so that I wouldn't freak out, before getting to talk with her. I couldn't help myself and I was so confused and scared about all the things I read. I wish I would have had the kind of support I've found on this site, back then. Hang in there and feel better soon!
My ent said not to put drop in my ears because they needed to DRY. My rheumy keeps asking me about my hands turning colors but they don't. The backs of my hands are red, not like the rash I have on my extremenities just red. My husband had his tests yesterday and he said they repeated his neck and back areas. I don't have a good feeling about it. He did beat it before and he will again. There's not a lot you can do about it, except see what your options are and go from there. At least he has a chance to be cured but we don't