Hi everyone I am new here and I need a little advice. I have thought for years that I might have Lupus but never got a straight answer for my doctor. I have been sick off and on for 4 ears ...it started in my lungs...and now it has progressed to other parts of my body one organ at a time. So far it has affected my lungs, I have arthritis and severe swollen joints that come and go without worning. I have had intersticial cystitis,inflammation around my heart, increased liver ensymes,and high ANA.I also had iritis 3 times in both eyes. The reason I am on this site is I am having another flare up the past week or so...mostly in my joints,lungs,bladder,that I know for sure. I am so sick of doctors does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks in advance Phyllis
What happened with your lungs? If you had untreated Lupus and it is affecting your organs it would show up in your blood tests. If in your kidneys then it would show up in abnormal urine tests. If you have a high ANA then your Dr should have sent you to a Rheumatologist right away. This has been going on for 4 years? I'd get a new Dr and if it turns out he has been neglectful then a lawyer for malpractice. I'm not sure how a Dr would not send you to a Rheumy with a high ANA. There are many other immune diseases, like Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you are saying your Dr has never referred you to a specialist in 4 years then this Dr is failing you. I would not have waited 4 years because if it is lupus and is in your internal organs then that is serious. This is all anyone can tell you to do, and that insist on a referral to specialist or a new Dr that will do so. Do not wait any longer I would call today.
Phyllis, hi & welcome. Like Alexa just wrote, in your shoes I'd want to see a rheumatologist ASAP, to look for conditions in that bailiwick, e.g., lupus, RA, Sjogren's, polymyositis, etc.
While there are other conditions in which ANA elevates that would be handled by other specialists (like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Addison's, certain blood disorders, etc.), I'm also guessing starting with a rheumie is your best bet.
From what you posted, I couldn't tell if your current dr. is a rheumie or, if not, ever referred you to one. Or if he/she has ever *treated* you for anything?
Are you near a library or bookstore? There are two very helpful lupus authors you could look for. One is Dr. Daniel Wallace, another is Dr. Robert Lahita. Both cover the subject thoroughly. Of particular interest: Dr. Wallace discusses elevation of liver enzymes, interstitial cystitis, and iritis.
I'm so sorry you've been having such trouble & truly hope you can get on a better path soon. Keep in touch with us, OK? Sending ym best wishes to you, Vee
