How to induce an exacerbation ....?

Okay, I should explain why....

Fairly recently I had a relapse/exacerbation/flare up/etc. And, like a bonehead, I didn't go into my neurologist and ask for another ANA test. Looking back, that probably wouldn't have been a bad idea. Alas, when you don't feel like moving and you don't have the money for a doctor's appointment, you just aren't likely to go.

I don't really know if this is Lupus for sure or not, but it's important for me to get my condition diagnosed so that I can receive treatment and MAYBE actually get something that works on the symptoms.

So....what do you do when you want to provoke an exacerbation?

At my last neuro appointment, they mentioned a rheumy. Actually, I didn't see the doctor, I saw his RN so the doctor didn't say it, his staff member did. My last ANA test was from the neuro and it came back negative, but after this last one.....I'm really not sure that their attitude of "it might be some connective tissue disorder" is really the best attitude and I do want a second opinion.

Once I get the money I'm planning to go to a rheumy.

I do feel truly horrible during these events, but I just want answers. I'm just afraid of damage the longer it goes undiagnosed. Old story for everybody, eh? Thanks!

I certainly don't want it to seem like I'm trivializing those that have suffered from such intense symptoms for so long, I just want answers. My thinking was that if I could get the ANA test to come back positive (or for them to run other tests that may be revealing if it is indeed something else) then it would lead to better treatment.

Unfortunately my experience with doctors hasn't been a positive one (as I imagine many in this area of the community can sympathize with) and I was thinking that another 'flare up' might motivate the one doctor I've been able to afford to investigate further. When I can afford it though, I'll be going to a rheumy.