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Lupus
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Posted 1/1/2011 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't been diagnosed lupus but i have had several specialist who still say my symptoms fit it. Is it possible to have lupus but test negative on the ANA blood work? I don't know if i have the rash or not because my face tends to have red areas all the time which could be from acne or what not.

Thanks

Kuno
Posted 1/1/2011 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, it is possible to have Lupus with a negative ANA. Yes, it is possible to have Lupus without a malar rash.

Lupus is diagnosed by having 4 of 11 of the lupus symptoms. Many doctors rely primary on blood work, but that isn't the best diagnostic fit, as a +ANA can mean any of several autoimmune diseases. A good rheumatologist takes ALL the symptoms into consideration when making a diagnosis.

Hope that helps,
Posted 1/3/2011 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
I also have a negative ANA and symptoms of lupus, no diagnosis either. My rheumatologist told me that whatever I have is seronegative; but he also seems unwilling to diagnose without a positive ANA. So yes, it's possible, but said to be very rare and lots of rheumatologists won't diagnose without it.
That's been my understanding anyway!

Kathryn
Posted 1/3/2011 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
It's not really that rare, what is rare is a doctor willing to stand up for the diagnosis without the bloodwork -- primarily these are doctors who are simply unfamiliar with lupus. If not a rheumy, no way they'd dx, and if a rheumy, still there are many who don't see many lupus patients.

It's important to see a rheumy that is an active member of local lupus organizations -- those are the folks who do the real diagnosis and can give you the best care & improvement.

I've seen 4 drs in the last 8 yrs. ANA has only been positive once. Yet all 4 agreed I have lupus.
Posted 1/3/2011 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
I also have a negative ANA and although doctors think I have lupus for that reason my test for lupus are considered negative. I have really only been to hematologists- oncologists and GYN's, oh and I almost forgot, the mental health clinic in my town. I was finally able to get a primary care doctor about 2 years ago. I have never been able to see a rheumatologist and am trying to find one but having a real hard time.

Since my doctors office couldn't find a rheumy that takes my insurance and treats fibromyalgia they referred me to a neurologist but I don't have any significant neurological problems that I know of. My doctor said shes tested me for everything (which she has) and she doesn't know whats wrong so my only dx is fibro.

I don't want another bad experience with a specialist but I'm thinking maybe the neurologist can give me his opinion on my fibro diagnoses and advice on my cognitive problems which seem to come and go. Maybe he knows a rheumy, that would be great.
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