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How to read blood results?!?!?

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Posted 5/18/2016 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
So My rheumatologist performed 55 blood tests on me on the 10th I just checked an online portal with the hospital after receiving a phone call from her telling me that my ANA is now - and my SSB is now + and that its discoid lupus but I still feel unsure and don't know if it's denial or what but I seen a dermatologist a wk before on the 3rd and she said it was atopic dermatitis. My rheumatologist has prescribed plaquenil 200mg 2x a day. After researching that drug I don't wanna take it. I've tried doing research on my own blood results with only a little luck because some of the things I don't understand. If anyone is able to read blood results or at least understand what some of the things on there mean please let me know. I only have 7 tests that came back abnormal. They include the following

WBC count 13.8------ platelet count 471------ ABS lymphocyte 4.45------- ABS neutrophil 7.75-------- ABS monocyte 1.1----------- C4 complement 48----------C3 complement 182

Thanks to anyone who replies!
Posted 5/18/2016 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Lupus is diagnosed by symptoms even in the absence of blood tests and once your ANA is positive it should still be considered.

If your rheumy is suggesting that Plaquenil might be helpful there is really no reason not to try it. It does take 4-6 weeks to build up to a therapeutic amount in your body, and there is the need to have your visual field tested once a year -- but the incidence of eye damage is really low.

Your blood work looks to me (and we are NOT Drs, please rely on your Dr who actually went to medical school!) like it is indicating some kind of inflammation is occurring - and your rheumy is suggesting Plaquenil to inhibit that random inflammation.
Posted 5/19/2016 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
What scares you about plaquinel?
I've been on it for 4 years now and I've had no side effects whatsoever.

It has really eased my symptoms and fatigue.
Posted 5/19/2016 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
I've read posts about hair loss, going blind, gaining excessive weight, episodes of violent throwing up..... wish I could go back a few months when my life was simple and lupus wasn't even put on the table I still like the dermatologist's dx of atopic dermatitis :(
When I compared my results to other tests I seen online its pointing to something else than lupus. I wasn't looking for a dx from someone on here just trying to see if there should be anything else I should ask my dr or ask about another test that could be preformed. Thinking about a second opinion? ..........
Shes telling me to remain out of the sun how can I do that when I have 4 small children 9,7,4 and 2 how am I suppose to just sit out and stop doing things with them outside especially with them so young and wanting to go out and do stuff and summer break is just around the corner :(
Posted 5/19/2016 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Your hair does thin some but mine started curling. I look like I have a perm now. :-)
I've never been sick from it. I get my eyes checked regularly and there's no sign of damage. It's rare for that to happen.

There are places you can buy clothing with sunscreen built in. I love the clothing they sell at coolibar.com. they're expensive but worth it. I wear their long sleeve tees and hats with jeans. It gives me time to get outside for errands. You can also buy sun-brellas there too.
As for weight gain I've actually lost 50 pounds over the last year just by diet alone.
Posted 5/19/2016 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
My hair has already thinned out a lot since January :( I don't think I could thin anymore but I will check out that site thank you!
Posted 5/19/2016 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
I have another appointment on the 14th next month.... so if I start taking the plaquenil what happens with my blood results do they return to being normal or do they continue to rise? Will the tests I had positives on go to being negative?
Posted 5/21/2016 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
It depends on if you're in a flare.
Posted 5/22/2016 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on plaquinel for 20 years, I see my othomologist every 6 months, because I have lupus and sjogren's. I know everyone is different but I have never had an issue with plaquenil, no side effects or eye damage caused by this medicine here.

I highly recommend doing some more research and talk to your doctor, it really is a veery good, safe medication.

Hugs;
Melissa
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