Login    |    Register

Current Topic: I have a question about Lupus..

I have had a positive ANA for about 7 months now. Most of my other labs are normal. I have joint pain/swelling, fatigue, mouth sores, and muscle pain. I also have had trouble after being in the sun, all these symptoms pop up with a minor rash on my cheeks. The rash almost looks like a sunburn. My Rheumy put me on plaquenil and relafen which I have taken for about 7 months. Recently, she put me on a Medrol pack because I had a "flare" from a boating trip with my family that resulted in too much sun. She said that I have inflammatory arthritis but it appears to be evolving into lupus. Is that even possible? I mean, only my ana is positive but my DS DNA and anti smith, ENA and everything else they usually check is within normal limits. Can someone have lupus with just a positive ANA and some symptoms with all other labs normal? If it is turning into lupus, is there a way to stop it? I am very confused. Need a little guidance here if I can get it.

Can someone with a positive ANA and no other high labs have Lupus? .........Absolutely and you describe symptoms which would indicate to me that Lupus is indeed what you have. Can you stop it if it is starting? No...unfortunately not BUT you can avoid triggers like sun and I would highly suggest you do.

Libby:
I'm not a professional, but I was diagnosed with Lupus 2 years ago. What I can tell you is that both my primary physician and my rheumotologist told me there are 11 markers for Lupus and having 4 of them confirms a diagnosis. For me it was initially the symptoms swelling, joint pain and severe fatigue. The positive ANA test confirmed it as the 4th marker. After my first visits with the specialist, I realized I had the hair loss. Last fall, I had a looooow white blood count and the doc took me off the Plaquinel. I've been testing every 3 months since and while its still low, it's 'disease' low. The med's helped me get over the worst symptom (joint pain). I still have occasional ankle swelling and I don't think I'll ever get over the fatigue, which can be depressing at times, but I'm glad to be surviving without med's for now. I have flare ups which include EXTREME fatigue and hair loss. It's just like with MS. As long as I don't have to be hospitalized, I won't medicate. For what you describe, I think you should talk with a doctor who will suggest meds that will suppress the symptoms.

I highly recommend getting approved for intermittent FMLA with your employer. It will help provide protection for your job on those days you can't make it to work. In the meantime, don't be ashamed of sleeping away entire weekends so you can get through the week days.

Good luck,
Donna