I went to my doctors' office after hours clinic about two weeks ago with what I thought was a sprained ankle. After the exam, the doctor told me it was arthritis. I'm only 26 years old; I was a little skeptical.
Based on the malar rash that I also have, they decided to test for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. I got a call last week that some of my bloodwork came back abnormal.
I saw my primary doctor today and he said my ANA was positive, which is indicative of lupus. (Also, my mom has lupus and her mom had it as well) He referred me to a rheumatologist and said we'll have to wait and see what they say.
I do have some other symptoms that may very well be explained with a lupus diagnosis but I'm still a little skeptical.
Looking at my lab results, the only thing I see that is abnormal is a high "Smith Antibodies" test. Does this definitely mean lupus or could it be something else?
Welcome to the boards. I want to refer you to the top of this board where you will find "sticky" posts that deal with Lupus diagnosis, labs, treatments. I am sure you will find a lot of useful information. I am glad that you have been referred to the Rheumatologist as they are very knowledgeable in our treatment. There are several criteria to diagnose Lupus as you will see in the reading of the posts I suggested. Seeing that you have a family history and a positive ANA, I can see why you got the referral. But please read as you will see that one does not have to have a group of set values to have a Lupus diagnosis, but rather a combination of some of the criteria. The info will also familiarize one with the different tests, types of Lupus and treatments.
It can take quite a while to get a lupus diagnosis. You can develop criteria over the years. Search the sites for them, you will find what you are looking for. Every lupus patient is different and yet the same. It doesn't make sense but then again neither does lupus.
My case is very similar to yours. This past week my primary dr. gave me similar results: positive ANA and high (2.1) anti-Smith. I've been reading up and have found that some websites say that a positive anti-smith is pretty conclusive, which scares me. However, to be "diagnosed" with lupus you need to meet the 4/11 criteria. This confuses me. So, my guess is that until we show more symptoms, we won't be diagnosed. I haven't had my first "remy" appointment yet, but I'm assuming she'll tell me I'll see signs at some point. Have you found anymore information?
