Definite Autoimmune disorder, but not sure which?
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Hi everyone, I was referred to a rheumatologist with suspected RA. Positive ANA but negative rheumatoid factor in my bloods. Following the consultation and an ultrasound of my hands and feet (no signs of inflammation) my consultant has said a diagnosis of RA would be a stretch and is therefore hesitant to start treatment. They did however say that they are certain I am suffering with an autoimmune disease of some sort alongside fibromyalgia. Is anyone able to shed light on what this may be? My symptoms started around 2/3 years ago with joint pain (intermittent) which was put down to growing pains as I was still only around 17/18, now the joint pains are very bad every day with stiffness in the morning and some swelling. I'm also extremely fatigued and find it difficult to get out of bed/ do minor exercise like walking. I'm constantly getting infections ie flu and colds and generally just unwell most days. I do have Raynauds as well. I would appreciate any input into what else this may be? My GP was pretty certain on RA so I'm now very confused. Has anyone had a similar experience/ what was the outcome? Thank you
1 like, 5 replies
hope4cure sdi6991
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jujubeee sdi6991
Posted
Sounds like it could be lupus. Ask your doc for a full Ana panel. There's a 4/11 symptom criteria to dx systemic lupus. They are:
Typically, four or more of the following criteria must be present to make a diagnosis of systemic lupus. Non erosive arthritis is included.
You can Google Lupusorg for more info.
Best to you!JJ
The “Eleven Criteria”
Malar rash: butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
Discoid (skin) rash: raised red patches
Photosensitivity: skin rash as result of unusual reaction to sunlight
Mouth or nose ulcers: usually painless
Arthritis (nonerosive) in two or more joints, along with tenderness, swelling, or effusion. With nonerosive arthritis, the bones around joints don’t get destroyed.
Cardio-pulmonary involvement: inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis) and/or lungs (pleuritis)
Neurologic disorder: seizures and/or psychosis
Renal (kidney) disorder: excessive protein in the urine, or cellular casts in the urine
Hematologic (blood) disorder: hemolytic anemia, low white blood cell count, or low platelet count
Immunologic disorder: antibodies to double stranded DNA, antibodies to Sm, or antibodies to cardiolipin
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA): a positive test in the absence of drugs known to induce it. A special note on the ANA test
jujubeee
Posted
Ex: mixed connective tissue disease, sjogrens, scleroderma, lupus..
jujubeee
Posted
margaret22116 sdi6991
Posted
Hi. Sometimes very difficult to sort through this as symptoms are generally the same/very similar for a lot of ai disorders. Do you have dry eyes or mouth? Or any flushing in your face or neck area? It could be something like Sjogren's or Lupus.
But also I would have vitamin b12 checked as well. Pernicious anaemia is often being missed these days as many of us have discussed in these forums. Often if it is borderline it is not triggering any actiion which it should.
It took me a year of seeing an immunologist to be diagnosed fir an auto immune disease. Such a complicated area.