Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Does anyone mind telling me how they were diagnosed. I just went for?

1 Oct 2011

Hey Christine... sorry it took me so long to get back to ya babe but I had to do a lil reseach on both dieases. They are extremely alike..both autoimmune diseases and different too. Lupis triggers the immune system whereas, M.S attacks the fatty protective layers of the nerves. They are so much alike and only differnt in a few ways! But they definately have something in common the younger girls the come after. Screening for both is intense, lupis is screened by questions doc ask you and a ANA blood test, this uncovers the autobodiessuch as the anti-dna and the anti-rna. M .S.is caued be viral and bacterial infections. In reviewing M.S. the dr has to review medical history, as well as, famiily history. Then a physical exam and an a MRI as for the M.S. patient as well as the lupis patient. All you can do is hopeand pray for the best and take it one day at at time. My prayers are w you!! I felt honored to get that message... if you need any one to chat with im here!!! ;) sincerely, beepoo

1 Oct 2011

The only problem is if you are in remission from a disease which can happen, you will show on the low end of the scale is how my doctor explained it to me. I am having symptoms now & would probably be on the higher end. I can't remember the values, but 3 of my tests were only 150 so that is a low end. I believe it can to to the thousands.The ANA titer is the best test there is for deciding about autoimmune disease.Just my thoughts...

16 Apr 2012

Hi Christie, I was just Dx with Lupus , 6 months ago.. none of my Drs. were able to find this, and because I do have R.A, Fibro/cfs.. and Hep-C, all auto-immune disorders, I had / have thyroid problems.. my hair falling out. been getting cold sores around mouth,,I went to a dermatologist ,,She found the Lupus,, but I can remember about 12-yrs ago I broke out in a butterfly rash..OMG the 2cd flare up was just horrible painful..back then all the Dr gave me antibiotic and a topical.. Now I look back ? I had Lupus then.. BTW..the dermatologist ..said she found it through my THYROID test.. something to bring up to your Doctor... Good Luck :)

26 Jul 2012

I have had Lupus since 1990. It was diagnosed because of protein in my urine. Had a kidney biopsy and it was confirmed. Rheumatologist started me on massive doses of prednisone. Had some complications after about 6 months, but when i weaned off the meds, problems subsided. The large doses of prednisone healed the lesions on my kidneys but I still have systemic lupus. One of the regular tests they perform on me periodically is a DS (Double Stranded) DNA. It denotes Lupus activity. About 10 years ago, the Fibromyalgia diagnosis got added to my list. I take Wellbutrin to manage that pain and it really does help. It's not gone, but it's better. I opted against Lyrica because of the side effects. They are worse than what I already have. I take Plaquenil to manage my Lupus and have for nearly twenty years. I have my eyes checked every year and they are fine. See a good Rheumatologist and get a positive diagnosis. This disease is not a death sentence. It was at one time, but no longer with the right treatment. Good Luck to you.

27 Nov 2012

Before I was diagnosed with Lupus, I was sent to a neurologist for 3 years with numerous symptoms which turned out to be Lupus. They finally checked my blood for an ANA test and found out that my blood level was down to 6.3 so I was transferred to a RA doctor and spent several days in the hospital. My RA had me diagnosed a week later. Just remember that Lupus is not all text book. Your symptoms may be listed or my not.