Hello everyone, I have spent the last two days reading here and it has been very informative!
My (long) history in a nutshell is: history of PE's, crushing fatigue, headaches, chest pain under my rib cage and back pain, joint pain and muscle pain, cognitive problems, protein in urine, red face and chest, seizure disorder, blah, blah, blah...Oh, did I mention fatigue?
Like most of you, I have been tested for everything under the sun over the last 4 years. Some time early on, my primary ran an ANA to test for lupus and when it came back negative that was that. A rheumy also ran one a year or so ago, also negative.
Fast forward to now, the neuro problems (dizzy, blurred vision, dropping things, balance problems) became concerning and my new doc sent me to another neuro. By the way, do all neuros take a class in arrogance for part of their medical training?
After a thorough exam, reviewing MRI, ect. and finding nothing of concern he asked if I had been tested for lupus. He included an Anti-DNA in my labs which came back "slightly elevated" , indicating lupus, according to the nurse that called with the results. When I asked what the numbers were, she just repeated it was slightly elevated. They are faxing the results to my doc, who is supposed to refer me to a rheumy.
My question is, can a "slightly elevated" anti-dna indicate anything other than lupus? Call me crazy, but after being so sick for so long, I do not want to hear another word about "let's check this again in a few months..." I want this beast to have a name so that I can begin some kind of treatment!
Also, I am scheduled for thyroid surgery April the 7th due to a mass in the right lobe. Am I correct in thinking the possible lupus diagnosis should be addressed before then?
