Delayed blood test findings

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hello, I was hoping to get some ideas from some of you guys.  In December, I had a period of  1 week to 2 weeks where I developed severe joint pain in almost every joint.  I couldn't turn a faucet, put on my clothes, walk, use my hands to help me push up off the floor, etc.  Upon going to a walk in, the doctor basically said I should stop being anxious and prescribed me Xanax.  Upon going to my primary care doctor, they ordered a lot of blood tests.  Following up after not receiving a call about a week later, someone assured me they were fine. Fast forward to yesterday, about eight months later, my doctor told me that someone gave me the wrong information and that I have several markers in my blood for both lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.  I have not had anything like that week and a half of joint pain since December.  Should I be concerned?  I cannot get in to see a rheumatologist until November and I am fairly concerned, as they did not give me this information until months  later.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    I would demand repeat blood work now from primary and ask for a copy of results for yourself so you can see if they are ok or not. If not I would ask to be seen sooner than Nov since it is their fault things were so delayed. Good luck. Hope all is well.
  • Posted

    Hi

    yes , ask your primary care dr to repeat the blood tests as you don't currently have any symptoms- is that correct?- not even fatigue?- or stiff joints in the morning?

    i know someone who had RA symptoms for a short time after having a virus then they went completely- so that could be what s happened with you.

    If the blood work again shows up with RA marker then take that referral to a consultant for November,even if you don't have clinical symptoms as they are the experts on what may be going on. I don't think RA is ever diagnosed on blood tests alone anyway. They look for clinical evidence like tender ior swollen joints . 

    • Posted

      Well, I have fatigue often but I am a very active person.  I ride my bike as my main form of transportation and belong to two gyms - one for kettlebell style bootcamp classes and another for running and weight lifting.

      Several markers showed up during the time where I had symptoms.

      POS ANA

      +dsDNA

      pos low complement c3

      polyarthritis

  • Posted

    There is a sub type of RA called Migratory Rheumatoid arthritis.   it will affect one joint for a while, the pain will then subside and another joint will then be affected.   There are four types of lupus, SLE being the most common and also the most serious, it can affect your internal organs.   It is therefore important for you to find out which type you have and start treatment ASAP.   The fat they lost your results and failed to advise you is not your problem, it is theirs.   Demand they see you immediately to sort out 'their' mistake.

    • Posted

      Thank you for your reply.  I teach at an early learning center and parvovirus (the version in humans that they call Fifth's Disease) was going around.  I was wondering if that could trigger some of the same markers in adults as one of the symptoms of Fifth's in adults is several joint pain in several joints.

      I am doing my best to get into the rheumatologist, but as a new patient for some reason you have to wait quite a while.  The specialist isn't affiliated with my primary care doctor.  I am going to ask to be put on a cancelation list, however.

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