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Posted 5/15/2011 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I have been feeling bad for years now. I finally took it upon myself to look up on the internet what I may have. I came to the conclusion that I may have Lupus. I went in for an ANA direct test. It came back positive. Then I was given an anti-dsDNA and anti-SM and told it was negative. I was told it was not Lupus, and it was probably just fibromyalgia. Here are the symptoms I have that I can think of. What are your thoughts? I also had a clean CBC and negative RA Latex.

Fatigue
Exhaustion
Joint Pain
Low grade fevers
Swollen glands/throat
I also have a rash on my hand that "flares" up and then about a week later I notice the above symptoms come back/get worse.
The rash was diagnosed as psorasis, but none of the creams have worked on it.
I also have a "yucky" stomach which I would describe as light nausea, but I am unsure if its related or from lactose intolerance and my msg sensitivity.

Thanks for any replies on this.
Posted 5/15/2011 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
I've got everything you've listed above except my rash is on my face and no nausea (just not very hungry).
I'm waiting on my 2nd round of blood work. My first bloodwork said positive speckled pattern with 1:360 titers.

I've heard of people getting false positives and false negatives. Can you get retested?
Posted 5/15/2011 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sure I can retested if I ask. My problem is the cost of these tests, which I'm sure you are aware of too.
Posted 5/16/2011 7:05 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum, and to the club.

The hard part with lupus is that it mirrors symptoms of so many other things. Many of the symptoms you describe can be attributed to any number of things. My advice: get yourself a good rheumatologist. When I first got diagnosed and started to research, I read numerous times, "If you get diagnosed by someone other than a rheumatologist, it's probably wrong. If you get diagnosed by a rheumatologist, it's almost always right."

And yes, lupus can be present and have a negative ANA, but it's only in like 5% of the cases. This is why a good rheumy will help look beyond just the test results and explore lots of other things before giving you a diagnosis.

Best of luck!
Posted 5/16/2011 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
I'm very aware of the cost of the bloodwork. Ouch! My wallet is dying of starvation!
My co-pays are nearly $700! I never knew bloodwork could be so expensive.
Posted 5/17/2011 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
I too am looking for diagnosis, I have been telling my family doc for well over a year that I was always tired and just didn't feel well, he has always just said excercise.... I recently visted my Gastro for a checkup and broke down, he actually listened and started running all of the tests. I have had Gastroparesis for 4 years and have battled anemia since I was in my teens. Last week I was diagnosed with Celiac's disease. Negative ANA, Elevated ESR /SED rate, Rheumatoid factor positive -7

I stay fatigued, joint pain, muscle weakness, developed a rash after sun exposure, sore/raw mouth. Over the past year the texture and appearance of my skin has changed. Anemia and low white cell count, low b-12.

Going to see the Rheumatologist next week.

Between the Gynocologist, Hematologist, Gastrointerologist and now the Rheumatologist...my wallet can't take many more "gist's"
Posted 6/3/2011 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
It might be Lyme Disease and other tick borne diseases
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