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Maybe lupus, maybe MCTD, maybe bachets

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Lupus
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Posted 9/16/2013 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I'm new here
. So my blood work showed a HLA B51 positive,( associated with Bachetes) low titer ANA with speckled pattern 1:40, and a positive Anti-RNP ( associated with MCTD ) Dr said blood work was confusing. All I know is, my body aches, getting out of bed hurts, some days I can't remember anything.
I'm also going thru menopause. And nothing about me has been right for 5 years!
I do not have any symptoms of Bachets Disease, other than the positive blood work
I know something is wrong, my body doesn't feel right.my joints ache, hurt! But I'm not tired all the time, no rash, .....
Thoughts?? Does anyone out there have lupus that's similar to what I'm feeling?
Dr put me on Plaquenil . I just started it, so it will be a while before I notice anything.
Posted 9/16/2013 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Your blood work suggests mctd....ana, speckled pattern and anti rnp antibody.  MCTD is a disease with a 1000 faces and can present differently in every case.  There is no standard pattern.  Mine presented with lupus/arthritic type symptoms and attacked my kidneys.  Also general feeling of malaise/fatigue and soon weakness.  Within a short time it had attacked every joint, kidneys, GI track, and muscles (with lots of muscle pain). 

Plaquinel is usually not effective if you have mctd and prednisone and some other med like Imuran or methotrexate at the same time.  As those kick in prednisone is reduced and hopefully your immune system will be controlled.

Also had "lupus fog." 

If you are not confident of your diagnosis or treatment get a second opinion.  MCTD or lupus alone are not easy diseases to treat and you should see an experienced rheumy. 

Bill

Posted 9/16/2013 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the feed back Bill.
It was a rheumitoligist, that I saw. Some things I feel, make me think it is lupus... Joints hurting, hand and foot pain. I also have degenerative disk stuff going on. .... I was hoping the blood work would give a more. Definite answer, as my primary doc seems to think I'm just drug seeking! Unfortunately at this time I'm on State assisted insurance, soon tho... I'll be able to see a dr of my choosing, and one who doesn't look at me like its all in my head!
Thanks again
Posted 9/17/2013 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Symptoms of lupus are part of mctd...you probably cannot tell the difference. MCTD is an overlap syndrome that can exhibit symptoms of lupus, polymyositis, scleroderma and even other AI diseases. Lupus alone has a wide range of symptoms and presentations as well.

Hope you find a doctor who will treat you with respect and give you a proper diagnosis.

Bill
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