1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Lupus

Do you have to ask for presific test for lupus or will it show in . routine bloods ?

Posted , 3 users are following.

stephx
stephx

Hey I have had a rash that comes and goes it starts off as a spot and spreads it raises and then turns purple and leaves like a stain on my skin doctors have seen it and just gone it's allergies I don't have allergies so I also have Reynolds that started a year after the rash and I have depression and anxiety also after looking for years for a explanation I have always just looked straight past lupus I now have a breathing problem that had lasted 3 months again doctors have no idea when my brother turned 17 he started getting joint aches like me and also the rash that comes and goes but iv had blood tests that have come back fine I have had anemia quiete too but also even when I don't have anemia I'm so tiered all the time ! Could lupus be missed from a blood check as mine are all coming back fine although I really feel somethings going on I only started looking at lupus cause my auntie has it I haven't self diagnosed I do not belive I have it would just like some insight thanks xx

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • susan33651
    susan33651 stephx

    Posted

    Hi,

    There are several blood test results which can give a strong indication of Lupus along with any signs and symptoms you have. First of all make a list of all your symptoms, no matter how irrelevant they may seem (this was advice given to me by a few members of this forum and it proved invaluable!), also include your family history (siblings, parents, grandparents and so on). Go back to your Doctor and ask what tests were done. For Lupus they would include the following: full blood count, electrolytes + urea, then specifically these: Antinuclear antibodies (pretty much always positive in Lupus), Extractable nuclear antibodies (which look for antibodies linked with certain conditions like Scleroderma, Lupus etc), Anti-DNA antibodies (specific to Lupus), Complement (proteins which are low in Lupus) and a few others such as Ig levels. ESR and CRP are inflammatory markers which are usually raised in the presence of inflammation, infection and a host of other conditions and although indicative of 'active' illness are not specific enough to give a diagnosis of anything unless there are other more specific blood results as well as signs and symptoms.

    If you find that some of the more specific tests have not been done then I would ask for them to be done given your symptoms and the family history you mention.

    You should bear in mind, though, that some of the specific tests can be negative in Lupus and indeed any of the autoimmune diseases! Some of the specific antibodies take time to develop. Antinuclear antibodies can be positive in the absence of disease. This is why it is important to list ALL of your symptoms and family history.

    Best of luck. 

     

  • cheryl21625
    cheryl21625 stephx

    Posted

    Hi there, 

    I second what Susan said for the type of bloodwork needed for lupus. I would also suggest that you get tested for EBS (Epstein Barr Virus). Once you have that done, your doctor has a better idea of what's going on. As well, I would get him to refer you to a dermatologist for the rashes and rheumatologist for joint pain. A simple chest xray should help with any breathing problems.  Good luck.

  • stephx
    stephx

    Posted

    Thanks for both your reply been a great help ! Just very intrigued by something having all my symtoms although I understand it could just be the fact I have similar that are not at all related smile

    I had a chest xray in Feb 2014 so they won't give me another although they was looking for a blood clot then

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.