| Re: Assistance with Diagnosis
Tammy, hello and welcome! I'm only a patient, so please read in that light.
When abnormalities are found in basic labs, and ANA is elevated, and symptoms are present, I'd see a rheumatologist. While ER doctors are wonderful at trauma and emergencies, they just aren't as equipped to call for, let alone to interpret, the more specialized tests needed for the conditions you list (RA, lupus & polymyositis).
I believe lung problems are possible in all 3, including such things as pleurisy, pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, "shrinking lung", and embolisms (blood clots).
Heart problems, too, such as myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation), etc.
More general chest pain, too, from such things as acid reflux (causes esophageal pain), costochondritis (inflammation of sternum), fluid build-up around the heart, etc.
Finally, muscle inflammation from inflammatory myositis or dermatomyositis, can cause permanent muscle weakness. This can require steroids & can be serious.
For all these reasons, I hope you see a rheumatologist soon. There are separate boards for Lupus, Arthritis, and Myositis you could also visit. I hope you post updates when you have the time. Wishing you much better days ahead, sincerely, Vee
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