Hi again! Rheumatologist appointment - Lupus Message Board

BJMILLERJB · 04-06-2001, 12:30 PM

I tried to respond to the last message posted by the person who had several symptoms but a negative ANA. I thought it worked but evidentally it didn't. Anyway I just wanted to say trust yourself as you know if something is off with your body.

As for my appointment. Well the Dr. looked at the previous test results checked a few things and said she did not feel at this time that there was enough evidence to support a lupus dx. She also felt that I didn't have an AI disorder. SO my question is what is up? I have a positive ANA but everything else looks normal. I would be fine with that except that I have symptoms that are not normal. I can't rememner anything I have a hard time with mental clarity, I have joint pain and fatigue. Those are the major symptoms. I have IBS and acid refluz as well. Anyway I broke down in her office because I just feel so frustrated that I can't seem to get any answers. She decided to run some additional tests "just to set my mind at ease" she said she felt I was together enough that she didn't doubt my concerns but that even if the ANA titer came back high I still would not have enough evidence to dx me with anything. She ran some additional tests which I couldn't get much info about from her but one is a thyroid test. SHe also said because my mother has a history of psoriasis that some of my problems could be attributed to that. She said that many of these diseases manifest themselves over time so taking these additional tests would at least give us a more complete picture. Am I completely off base about this ANA test....every where I have read about this it seems the false positive is VERY LOW and that these people have no symptoms. Since it was my symptoms that took me to the doctor in the first place I wonder why every one is so quick to dismiss it. She suggested I see a Neurologist/Psych (so I guess I really am crazy...LOL) As the mental clarity is giving me the most concern as of now. Anyway I feel completely frustrated and I am just praying that these test results give me some answers although the doctor seemed skeptical.

Jeannie

SailormoonK · 04-07-2001, 03:34 PM

[url="http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=9144&r=WSRNM000#diagnosis"]http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=9144&r=WSRNM000#diagnosis[/url]
this is a link that has the diagnosis info take a look and then ask yourself who is crazy you or the DR
i am the one with the negative ANA but all the other lupus symptoms. i have been sick for years now and every time i meantion how i am feeling i get sent to a mental health professional. blood work results can depend on which lab does the work, especially the ANA and the LE test. at least that is what i have found in my research. now, as to the condition your mom has, see a dermatologist-- my daughter has this problem-- they will say that that is not what is causing your problem. take that back to your doctor and in the meantime get a second opinion. trust me, these doctors have lost their humanity. they let people suffer because they want a perfect classic case. i know. i suffer from the oh, neg ANA there is NO WAY you can have lupus with a neg ANA.... WRONG!!!!! you can have lupus with a neg ANA. and yes most of the false positives i have read about are low. AND THIS IS IMPORTANT DID THE DOCTOR SAY YOU ARE TAKING A MEDICATION THAT CAN CAUSE A FALSE POSITIVE ANA???? because that is a major factor in disregarding the ANA test. hope this helps.