Question:
ANA is not specific for lupus in itself. Depending on how high it was though, it can indicate that they’re looking in the right direction for an autoimmune type disorder. Many autoimmune disorders have a positive ANA associated with them. Also, a small percentage of the normal population have positive ANA’s. However, a positive ANA in the presence of symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune disorder is usually indicative of the need for further testing to try to determine what’s going on. It then takes a lot of testing, and often time, to figure out the correct diagnosis. It’s not an easy process. If you’d like more information on the diagnostic criteria for lupus, you might try to Lupus Foundation websites… Lupus Foundation of America (Lots of current information and support groups.) http://internet-plaza.net/lupus/ Sandra
Response:
On Thu, 22 Feb 2001 00:08:34 GMT, "Nicole H." <jnhighto…@XXXearthlink.net> wrote: >there is no one test that will diagnose lupus, certain tests such as ANA >indicate the possibility of lupus, also ESR, etc. >www.lupus.org has a lot of good info >good luck >Nicole
also refer to Joanne’s site www.uklupus.co.uk – she explains many of the tests used to diagnose and characterize lupus and related diseases. A single test does not rule out or in lupus – if it was the ANA (which I’m suspecting it was) then this is not diagnostic unless it is very high and even then one must look at the symptoms and other lab tests to determine if it is lupus or a related autoimmune disease. As others stated, get copies of the tests, and make the doctor explain to you why he/she can say "it’s not lupus" based on one blood test. (if they are certain they can, then they are the wrong doctor to be diagnosing you – because it simply can not be diagnosed that way). Feel free to post here about the numbers for your blood test and any other details of the test (Pattern is sometimes informative) and we will help as much as we can to explain what the tests mean and where to go from here. But the first place to go is back to the doctor for the lab results and for an explanation of his proclamation. Then request a referral to a qualified rheumatologist. If you need help finding a good rheumatologist in your area consult the LFA website (I don’t know where you are located in respect to country/state.) There are links to international lupus organizations there as well. If you are US, the LFA site has a list of chapters in the various regions of the states and you can contact the closest one to you and request a list of physicians in your area that are known to treat lupus (though they can not recommend a particular doctor they should be able to give you a list of many docs that treat the disease and diseases like it (rather than "just" arthritis). Best of luck, *********************************** KCat – I am not a medical professional. The contents of this post are based soley on my experiences and opinions http://www.ghg.net/schwerpt/mypage.htm http://www.ghg.net/schwerpt/aslfaq20.htm ("`-”-/").___..–”"`-._ (`6_ 6 ) `-. ( ).`-.__.’`) (_Y_.)’ ._ ) `._ `. “-..-” _..`–’_..-_/ /–’_.’ ,’ (()),-” (()),’ (((.-’
Response:
our doc says it is positive but she said it is not lupus so what is it? how do we find out? please help
Response:
there is no one test that will diagnose lupus, certain tests such as ANA indicate the possibility of lupus, also ESR, etc. www.lupus.org has a lot of good info good luck Nicole "Janet Freeland" <jw4ever…@home.com> wrote in message
news:3A93732C.6CC91821@home.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> our doc says it is positive but she said it is not lupus so what is > it? > how do we find out? > please help
Response:
ASK!!!!!! When the doc says positive — they are probably talking about the ANA. The pattern will tell them alot so, ask….. Also if I were you, I would get a copy of the tests. (It is your right). I have ALL my medical records for the past 10 years (doc’s notes and all). It has proven invaluable.
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