Confused by bloodtest results.
Posted , 4 users are following.
hi all. This is my first post in this forum. You have probably answered this many times, but here it is...
my doctor ordered rheum blood test because of my family history (spondylitis and arthritis). So it came back showing positive Ana, strong positive ssa and high SR. I googled it (probably shouldn't have done that), now I'm so scared it is Lupus. Is it possible to make a diagnosis based upon blood test ? My symptoms are fatigue, hair loss , rash scalp, rash face (butterfly like but not with rash over nose.) and burning joint pain that moves "randomly" around.
1 like, 10 replies
susan33651 Linda1450
Posted
Hi, Linda,
First and foremost, yes it is possible to make a diagnosis from a blood test, BUT it does depend what you're testing for! For example you can diagnose Leukaemia from blood results but not the specific type without further investigation under a microscope of the the blood cells affected. You can also diagnose certain infections from the study of blood under a microscope, such as malaria.
In the case of Lupus the blood test results coupled with your signs and symptoms (signs being rash and hair loss as you describe and symptoms being joint pain flitting about) can give an experienced Rheumatologist an inkling as to whether you have something or not. With further questioning on your family history, your own medical history and your signs and symptoms and then the specific blood results a diagnosis of Lupus in your case does look likely. Has your doctor referred you to a Rheumatologist? If not he must, without the expertise of a specialist proper management of these types of illnesses can lead to problems, of which there are many but they do largely depend on the type of Lupus. Which is why you need to see a specialist! The type of Lupus will impact on what treatment is proposed and the level of monitoring you will need. Also many specialists have highly trained specialist nurses working alongside them who in my case have been superb. They can provide you with help and advice on all manner of coping strategies, diet, exercise and so on.
In the meantime, read the information on this website and the dedicated Lupus sites as they are very informative.
Best of luck.
Linda1450 susan33651
Posted
Thank you for your answer
yes, I'm on wait list for an rheumatologist appointment ..
susan33651 Linda1450
Posted
Hi,
That's good news. The one piece of advice which I found to be useful was to make an exhaustive list of EVERYTHING!! All your little niggles, your big niggles and even those things which may be seemingly unconnected. List all your childhood and adulthood medical history. Also list as much of your family history as possible. Revisit the list a few days before your appointment to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. And on the day when the Rheumatologist asks about your symptoms and so on you can give him/her the list and say this is everything that has been happening to me, and you can see that there is a family history of these types of illnesses. It will be of immense help in diagnosing you.
Good luck!
Linda1450 susan33651
Posted
Stychsen Linda1450
Posted
I am fairly new to this group as well. I went to my rheumatologist for the first time yesterday.It was actually my internist that caught it in a blood test. So I am having a whole bunch of more tests run. I didn't have any typical Lupus symptoms but I have a lot of other autoimmune symptoms. I wouldn't be scared because it was a relief to finally hear what is wrong with me..Then they can actually figure out how to help you.
Linda1450 Stychsen
Posted
I feel the same, I've actually been diagnosed with anxiety and they have send me around to psychiatrists, it didn't help me.I finally asked them to rule out rheum. Because of family history.
At the same time I'm scared because Of the things I read about Lupus.
Stychsen Linda1450
Posted
There are definitely scary things about Lupus out there but if you listen to your body and Dr.s you should be ok. I know they have said that exercise like yoga really helps to keep your joints looser. I also have depression and anxiety that I have dealt with for a long time.. I was also diagnosed with Crohn's 2 years ago. I knew something else was going on just didn't know what it was soo now I feel relieved. I went through a disease agree my 3rd child was born called TTP, all of my organs shut down, liver, kidneys, verge of heart attack and stroke. I had to go through dialysis . So I don't feel scared now that I know what everything is since I had to deal with that. I honestly think what is the most scary is the unknown.
Linda1450 Stychsen
Posted
susan33651 Linda1450
Posted
Hello again,
Just read your query about pregnancy and Lupus. Yes is the simple answer it can be affected by pregnancy. Lupus is linked with hormones, specifically female sex hormones, which is why many more women have it than men, and so when a woman with Lupus is pregnant she has to be more closely monitored. There is a much higher risk of miscarriage due in part to the linked clotting disorder Antiphospholipid syndrome and also a higher risk of injury to the kidneys (injury simply refers to damage from scarring as a result of inflammation or poor fluid management, injury is the latest 'new 'in' word' in medicine!). Many pregnant Lupus sufferers have few if any problems too though.
Best wishes.
margaret22116 Linda1450
Posted
hi yes it does sound like Lupus. I have Behcet's which is similar. Don't despair there is treatement available. Not always ideal solutions but you can get help. It is ultimately worse if you are like the many many people who don't test positive and keep being fobbed off even though they have dreadful symptoms. I wish you well with your appointment and hope you get some good feedback from your rheumatologist and some positive treatment to help you.