Question:
BJ (two?) i wanted to point out one thing… which someone might have already done but.. On Fri, 22 Feb 2002 01:06:41 -0500, "BJ" <bhsteven…@alltel.net> wrote: > Anyhow…. I’ve been reading up on lupus and see where this ANA test >may sometimes (apparently very rarely) be negative and someone still have >lupus.
it may be "rare" in the sense that only about 2-3% of all lupus patients will be ANA negative (indefinitely) BUT… when you consider that as many as 2 million people in the US might have lupus (that’s the high end of the guess) then 2-3% is a pretty good number of folks. (60,000) If you go with the lower estimates of 1 million lupus patients at 2% ANA negative you still have 20,000 people in the US that could be "sero-negative" lupus patients. *********************************** 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/aslfaq30.htm ("`-”-/").___..–”"`-._ (`6_ 6 ) `-. ( ).`-.__.’`) (_Y_.)’ ._ ) `._ `. “-..-” _..`–’_..-_/ /–’_.’ ,’ (()),-” (()),’ (((.-’
Response:
ANOTHER "BJ"? Well, you’ll have to be BJ2<g>. Yes! Do keep looking for a DX, and don’t rule out Lupus. "BJ" <bhsteven…@alltel.net> wrote in message
news:a54n83$beq$1@iac5.navix.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi! My new GP (hadn’t needed to go to doctor in years) took one look at me > and my various complaints and said we need to test for lupus. I had decided > that ‘old age’ was creeping up on me and had never thought of lupus. > (complaints – aches and pains – especially knees (had already carpal tunnel > surgery on both wrists) frequent headaches, mouth sores, funky face rash) He > did some tests and ruled it out. Gave me Imitrex for the headaches and it > works, but I end up taking it nearly every day. Gave me lotion for rosecea > and when that didn’t seem to do any good, gave me an antibiotic that hasn’t > helped yet. Sent me to a dermatologist who immediately asked if I had been > tested for lupus and when I said I had told me to keep taking the > antibiotics and using the lotion. GP told me to rinse mouth with peroxide > when I have sores and talk to my dentist. Made me an appointment with a > rheumatologist to talk about OA. She took one look at me and ordered blood > tests to rule out lupus even though I told her I had already had them. She, > too, ruled it out and gave me celebrex for OA…had a reaction to that so > tried Vioxx… reaction so am taking ibuprofen. Am now seeing a chiropractor > for knees and other aches and pains. > Anyhow…. I’ve been reading up on lupus and see where this ANA test > may sometimes (apparently very rarely) be negative and someone still have > lupus. What I would like to understand is, does this test change…as in > positive during a flare-up and negative later or is it ‘once positive – > always positive.’? Also, I would like to know more about this rash. Does > it come and go with flare-ups or is it always there? Does it burn or feel > hot? > I guess what I want to know, is do I give up and consider myself either > old at 54 or a hypochondriac or is there still a chance I have lupus and > need to keep searching? I’m pretty tired of feeling bad. > Thanks so much, BJ
Response:
Hi BJ Two, You came through with that name just fine. What a hastle over that wrist. That really is to bad. Are you getting any therapy for it? Hang in there with us. I know you don’t want a diagnosis of lupus, but knowing the problem is so much better than suffering when you don’t know the cause. Don’t give up. You have to keep pushing for answers. BJ-SK. Canada "BJ" <bhsteven…@alltel.net> wrote in message
news:a57fkl$t8j$1@iac5.navix.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> no problem going by BJ Two except I have just spent about an hour trying to > change identity ( Outlook Express) and just suceed in jamming up everything > and having to shut down and start over. I’ll keep trying. > Meanwhile, it will take me a while to work through all of the info that you > all have provide. thanks so much. i’ve been reading this newsgroup for a > few weeks and appreciate that all understand when i say – i really hope it’s > not lupus, but i really want to know what it causing me to be so pitiful. > by the way, typing is temporally bad because in jan. my knee problem causes > me to fall down sometimes and i broke my arm (both bones)…just got the > cast off and now my wrist is locked up… hope to have it back to normal in > a few weeks. > again, thanks so very much. > BJ Two!!! > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > news:u7cqnh6t91h5f1@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi BJ, > > Welcome to the group. I see that J, the wise, sleepless member has already > > jumped in with good info for you. I agree with her about the biopsy on > your > > mouth sores. It may give a diagnosis. It could be that you have a number > of > > unrelated problems, but you need to know for sure. The ANA can fluctuate, > > but I would think that your blood work should show some other > adnormalities. > > Your platelets, or WBC could be a low, for instance, or your SED rate > could > > be high. You are wise to get all the information you can. I would continue > > to pursue this with blood work from time to time. Sometimes it takes a > while > > for abnormalities to show up on the tests. This is a good place to learn > and > > to talk about your concerns. I think we will likely cause some confusion. > I > > also go by BJ. Perhaps you could use the name BJ Two, just to help keep > > things straight. Once again, welcome. You have found the right place. > > BJ-Saskatchewan, Canada > > "BJ" <bhsteven…@alltel.net> wrote in message > > news:a54n83$beq$1@iac5.navix.net… > > > Hi! My new GP (hadn’t needed to go to doctor in years) took one look at > > me > > > and my various complaints and said we need to test for lupus. I had > > decided > > > that ‘old age’ was creeping up on me and had never thought of lupus. > > > (complaints – aches and pains – especially knees (had already carpal > > tunnel > > > surgery on both wrists) frequent headaches, mouth sores, funky face > rash) > > He > > > did some tests and ruled it out. Gave me Imitrex for the headaches and > it > > > works, but I end up taking it nearly every day. Gave me lotion for > > rosecea > > > and when that didn’t seem to do any good, gave me an antibiotic that > > hasn’t > > > helped yet. Sent me to a dermatologist who immediately asked if I had > been > > > tested for lupus and when I said I had told me to keep taking the > > > antibiotics and using the lotion. GP told me to rinse mouth with > peroxide > > > when I have sores and talk to my dentist. Made me an appointment with a > > > rheumatologist to talk about OA. She took one look at me and ordered > > blood > > > tests to rule out lupus even though I told her I had already had them. > > She, > > > too, ruled it out and gave me celebrex for OA…had a reaction to that > so > > > tried Vioxx… reaction so am taking ibuprofen. Am now seeing a > > chiropractor > > > for knees and other aches and pains. > > > Anyhow…. I’ve been reading up on lupus and see where this ANA > test > > > may sometimes (apparently very rarely) be negative and someone still > have > > > lupus. What I would like to understand is, does this test change…as > in > > > positive during a flare-up and negative later or is it ‘once positive – > > > always positive.’? Also, I would like to know more about this rash. > Does > > > it come and go with flare-ups or is it always there? Does it burn or > feel > > > hot? > > > I guess what I want to know, is do I give up and consider myself > either > > > old at 54 or a hypochondriac or is there still a chance I have lupus > and > > > need to keep searching? I’m pretty tired of feeling bad. > > > Thanks so much, BJ
Response:
Hello BJ Two, Your signature works just fine the way it is, so no worries about trying to change it in Outlook Express. Thanks for trying though. My ! You’ve had a terrible time…broke both bones. 
Did they do an x-ray of your wrist after the cast came off? You might want to have a look at the report and see what it says. My friend broke her wrist about 4 years ago. She’s furious because one of the bones was left "unfused" so she’s stuck with chronic wrist pain and mad that they made the decision not to rebreak or somehow fix it. My brother had similar situation when he was just a kid. But Mom was a nurse and pushed to have them fix it properly. So at least he was able to continue with sports and work for most of his life. Regardless he’s had problems with that arm ever since. So guess what I’m saying is you’ll need to lower your expectations of that arm/wrist. Perhaps a special (ergodynamic or split) keyboard would help somewhat? So have you been checked for rheumatoid arthritis? I think there’s bloodwork for that. Talk later, Hugs J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -BJ wrote: > no problem going by BJ Two except I have just spent about an hour trying to > change identity ( Outlook Express) and just suceed in jamming up everything > and having to shut down and start over. I’ll keep trying. > Meanwhile, it will take me a while to work through all of the info that you > all have provide. thanks so much. i’ve been reading this newsgroup for a > few weeks and appreciate that all understand when i say – i really hope it’s > not lupus, but i really want to know what it causing me to be so pitiful. > by the way, typing is temporally bad because in jan. my knee problem causes > me to fall down sometimes and i broke my arm (both bones)…just got the > cast off and now my wrist is locked up… hope to have it back to normal in > a few weeks. > again, thanks so very much. > BJ Two!!! > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > news:u7cqnh6t91h5f1@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi BJ, > >[] I think we will likely cause some confusion. > I > > also go by BJ. Perhaps you could use the name BJ Two, just to help keep > > things straight. []
Response:
just my .02 Don’t give up. Don’t assume you’re "just aging". I was "getting older" when I hit 30 according to a doctor I spoke to. 30??? The ANA is fallible. It can be negative during a flare even in a patient who has been dx’d. it can be strongly positive in a person who is not feeling to terribly ill. The rash is more commonly seen during flares but some have it all the time. Rashes with SLE and similar diseases are varied too – not all look like the butterfly rash and not all are on the face. to get a clue about what I have gone through re: dx and treatment, you might want to take a gander at my website. (see sig below). it’s being updated but the original story hasn’t changed. 
*********************************** 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/aslfaq30.htm ("`-”-/").___..–”"`-._ (`6_ 6 ) `-. ( ).`-.__.’`) (_Y_.)’ ._ ) `._ `. “-..-” _..`–’_..-_/ /–’_.’ ,’ (()),-” (()),’ (((.-’
Response:
no problem going by BJ Two except I have just spent about an hour trying to change identity ( Outlook Express) and just suceed in jamming up everything and having to shut down and start over. I’ll keep trying. Meanwhile, it will take me a while to work through all of the info that you all have provide. thanks so much. i’ve been reading this newsgroup for a few weeks and appreciate that all understand when i say – i really hope it’s not lupus, but i really want to know what it causing me to be so pitiful. by the way, typing is temporally bad because in jan. my knee problem causes me to fall down sometimes and i broke my arm (both bones)…just got the cast off and now my wrist is locked up… hope to have it back to normal in a few weeks. again, thanks so very much. BJ Two!!! "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message
news:u7cqnh6t91h5f1@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi BJ, > Welcome to the group. I see that J, the wise, sleepless member has already > jumped in with good info for you. I agree with her about the biopsy on your > mouth sores. It may give a diagnosis. It could be that you have a number of > unrelated problems, but you need to know for sure. The ANA can fluctuate, > but I would think that your blood work should show some other adnormalities. > Your platelets, or WBC could be a low, for instance, or your SED rate could > be high. You are wise to get all the information you can. I would continue > to pursue this with blood work from time to time. Sometimes it takes a while > for abnormalities to show up on the tests. This is a good place to learn and > to talk about your concerns. I think we will likely cause some confusion. I > also go by BJ. Perhaps you could use the name BJ Two, just to help keep > things straight. Once again, welcome. You have found the right place. > BJ-Saskatchewan, Canada > "BJ" <bhsteven…@alltel.net> wrote in message > news:a54n83$beq$1@iac5.navix.net… > > Hi! My new GP (hadn’t needed to go to doctor in years) took one look at > me > > and my various complaints and said we need to test for lupus. I had > decided > > that ‘old age’ was creeping up on me and had never thought of lupus. > > (complaints – aches and pains – especially knees (had already carpal > tunnel > > surgery on both wrists) frequent headaches, mouth sores, funky face rash) > He > > did some tests and ruled it out. Gave me Imitrex for the headaches and it > > works, but I end up taking it nearly every day. Gave me lotion for > rosecea > > and when that didn’t seem to do any good, gave me an antibiotic that > hasn’t > > helped yet. Sent me to a dermatologist who immediately asked if I had been > > tested for lupus and when I said I had told me to keep taking the > > antibiotics and using the lotion. GP told me to rinse mouth with peroxide > > when I have sores and talk to my dentist. Made me an appointment with a > > rheumatologist to talk about OA. She took one look at me and ordered > blood > > tests to rule out lupus even though I told her I had already had them. > She, > > too, ruled it out and gave me celebrex for OA…had a reaction to that so > > tried Vioxx… reaction so am taking ibuprofen. Am now seeing a > chiropractor > > for knees and other aches and pains. > > Anyhow…. I’ve been reading up on lupus and see where this ANA test > > may sometimes (apparently very rarely) be negative and someone still have > > lupus. What I would like to understand is, does this test change…as in > > positive during a flare-up and negative later or is it ‘once positive – > > always positive.’? Also, I would like to know more about this rash. Does > > it come and go with flare-ups or is it always there? Does it burn or feel > > hot? > > I guess what I want to know, is do I give up and consider myself either > > old at 54 or a hypochondriac or is there still a chance I have lupus and > > need to keep searching? I’m pretty tired of feeling bad. > > Thanks so much, BJ
Response:
Hi BJ, Welcome to the group. I see that J, the wise, sleepless member has already jumped in with good info for you. I agree with her about the biopsy on your mouth sores. It may give a diagnosis. It could be that you have a number of unrelated problems, but you need to know for sure. The ANA can fluctuate, but I would think that your blood work should show some other adnormalities. Your platelets, or WBC could be a low, for instance, or your SED rate could be high. You are wise to get all the information you can. I would continue to pursue this with blood work from time to time. Sometimes it takes a while for abnormalities to show up on the tests. This is a good place to learn and to talk about your concerns. I think we will likely cause some confusion. I also go by BJ. Perhaps you could use the name BJ Two, just to help keep things straight. Once again, welcome. You have found the right place. BJ-Saskatchewan, Canada "BJ" <bhsteven…@alltel.net> wrote in message
news:a54n83$beq$1@iac5.navix.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi! My new GP (hadn’t needed to go to doctor in years) took one look at me > and my various complaints and said we need to test for lupus. I had decided > that ‘old age’ was creeping up on me and had never thought of lupus. > (complaints – aches and pains – especially knees (had already carpal tunnel > surgery on both wrists) frequent headaches, mouth sores, funky face rash) He > did some tests and ruled it out. Gave me Imitrex for the headaches and it > works, but I end up taking it nearly every day. Gave me lotion for rosecea > and when that didn’t seem to do any good, gave me an antibiotic that hasn’t > helped yet. Sent me to a dermatologist who immediately asked if I had been > tested for lupus and when I said I had told me to keep taking the > antibiotics and using the lotion. GP told me to rinse mouth with peroxide > when I have sores and talk to my dentist. Made me an appointment with a > rheumatologist to talk about OA. She took one look at me and ordered blood > tests to rule out lupus even though I told her I had already had them. She, > too, ruled it out and gave me celebrex for OA…had a reaction to that so > tried Vioxx… reaction so am taking ibuprofen. Am now seeing a chiropractor > for knees and other aches and pains. > Anyhow…. I’ve been reading up on lupus and see where this ANA test > may sometimes (apparently very rarely) be negative and someone still have > lupus. What I would like to understand is, does this test change…as in > positive during a flare-up and negative later or is it ‘once positive – > always positive.’? Also, I would like to know more about this rash. Does > it come and go with flare-ups or is it always there? Does it burn or feel > hot? > I guess what I want to know, is do I give up and consider myself either > old at 54 or a hypochondriac or is there still a chance I have lupus and > need to keep searching? I’m pretty tired of feeling bad. > Thanks so much, BJ
Response:
Hey BJ, Don’t every give up! I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired myself. and I was 34yrs when diagnoised in 84. drs said to me they usually think the ana is positive with flare-up. But you could have symptoms where it is negative or so low they don’t eveny tell you that it is positive. My dr. said to use mylanta, etc. for the mouth sores. it works for me. Look at the bright side. You might be an old, 54 and hypochondriac without Lupus. but there are so many other close cusins to lupus. Dr. fanially called mine Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder which is lupus is only one disease in. Keep reading and talking to lthers, then you have to occupe yourself with living a day at a time or one minute. "My dr. asked me, "Why do you want to have Lupus? it took all i had to not punch him and his budddies, but they are treating me with more respect after I dug around and got all my other/past drs. report… Hang in there. "BJ" <bhsteven…@alltel.net> wrote in message
news:a54n83$beq$1@iac5.navix.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi! My new GP (hadn’t needed to go to doctor in years) took one look at me > and my various complaints and said we need to test for lupus. I had decided > that ‘old age’ was creeping up on me and had never thought of lupus. > (complaints – aches and pains – especially knees (had already carpal tunnel > surgery on both wrists) frequent headaches, mouth sores, funky face rash) He > did some tests and ruled it out. Gave me Imitrex for the headaches and it > works, but I end up taking it nearly every day. Gave me lotion for rosecea > and when that didn’t seem to do any good, gave me an antibiotic that hasn’t > helped yet. Sent me to a dermatologist who immediately asked if I had been > tested for lupus and when I said I had told me to keep taking the > antibiotics and using the lotion. GP told me to rinse mouth with peroxide > when I have sores and talk to my dentist. Made me an appointment with a > rheumatologist to talk about OA. She took one look at me and ordered blood > tests to rule out lupus even though I told her I had already had them. She, > too, ruled it out and gave me celebrex for OA…had a reaction to that so > tried Vioxx… reaction so am taking ibuprofen. Am now seeing a chiropractor > for knees and other aches and pains. > Anyhow…. I’ve been reading up on lupus and see where this ANA test > may sometimes (apparently very rarely) be negative and someone still have > lupus. What I would like to understand is, does this test change…as in > positive during a flare-up and negative later or is it ‘once positive – > always positive.’? Also, I would like to know more about this rash. Does > it come and go with flare-ups or is it always there? Does it burn or feel > hot? > I guess what I want to know, is do I give up and consider myself either > old at 54 or a hypochondriac or is there still a chance I have lupus and > need to keep searching? I’m pretty tired of feeling bad. > Thanks so much, BJ
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Response:
In article <a54n83$be…@iac5.navix.net>, BJ <bhsteven…@alltel.net> wrote [] >What I would like to understand is, does this test change…as in >positive during a flare-up and negative later or is it ‘once positive – >always positive.’?
It can go negative as an effect of some medications, though I think this takes longer than you have had. >Also, I would like to know more about this rash. Does >it come and go with flare-ups or is it always there? Does it burn or feel >hot? > I guess what I want to know, is do I give up and consider myself either >old at 54
Nooooooooooooo! If you were to be considered ‘old’ at 54, that dooms those of us who are over 54! >or a hypochondriac or is there still a chance I have lupus and >need to keep searching? I’m pretty tired of feeling bad. >Thanks so much, BJ
– Andy [Editor, Austrian Philatelic Society] For Austrian philately <URL:http://www.kitzbuhel.demon.co.uk/austamps> For Lupus <URL:http://www.kitzbuhel.demon.co.uk/lupus> For my other interests <URL:http://www.kitzbuhel.demon.co.uk>
Response:
Hi! My new GP (hadn’t needed to go to doctor in years) took one look at me and my various complaints and said we need to test for lupus. I had decided that ‘old age’ was creeping up on me and had never thought of lupus. (complaints – aches and pains – especially knees (had already carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists) frequent headaches, mouth sores, funky face rash) He did some tests and ruled it out. Gave me Imitrex for the headaches and it works, but I end up taking it nearly every day. Gave me lotion for rosecea and when that didn’t seem to do any good, gave me an antibiotic that hasn’t helped yet. Sent me to a dermatologist who immediately asked if I had been tested for lupus and when I said I had told me to keep taking the antibiotics and using the lotion. GP told me to rinse mouth with peroxide when I have sores and talk to my dentist. Made me an appointment with a rheumatologist to talk about OA. She took one look at me and ordered blood tests to rule out lupus even though I told her I had already had them. She, too, ruled it out and gave me celebrex for OA…had a reaction to that so tried Vioxx… reaction so am taking ibuprofen. Am now seeing a chiropractor for knees and other aches and pains. Anyhow…. I’ve been reading up on lupus and see where this ANA test may sometimes (apparently very rarely) be negative and someone still have lupus. What I would like to understand is, does this test change…as in positive during a flare-up and negative later or is it ‘once positive – always positive.’? Also, I would like to know more about this rash. Does it come and go with flare-ups or is it always there? Does it burn or feel hot? I guess what I want to know, is do I give up and consider myself either old at 54 or a hypochondriac or is there still a chance I have lupus and need to keep searching? I’m pretty tired of feeling bad. Thanks so much, BJ
Response:
Hi BJ, Oh ho..another BJ. Mom # 1 signs hers BJ in Sask, Canada. I feel all alone here, everyone’s apparently sleeping. Can’t answer all your questions but I do believe mouth sores/ulcers biopsy to rule in/out Lupus. Ditto for skin sores. If he didn’t, then maybe he assumed someone else had already done so? (someone else might want to clarify on this because if you have just a faint blushing, then perhaps that’s not possible to biopsy?) I do believe the ANA level can fluctuate (depending on status of the Lupus, in flare or in remission). Lab Tests: http://www.lupus.org/topics/laboratory.html http://www.mtio.com/lupus/lfalt1.htm http://www.rheumatology.org/directory/geo.asp (Find a rheumatologist) http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/lupus/lupusguide/chp1.htm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lupus.html http://www.daemen.edu/departments/pa/SeniorProjects/SeniorProjects/Cl… Differential Diagnosis (this is a new url that I don’t believe I’ve seen before – note to KCat) Lupus FAQ is being updated. You might also run into MCTD and UCTD (mixed connective tissue disease and undifferentiated connective tissue disease). It’s also possible that you have a whole list of problems (which are separate and distinct from Lupus). There’s also drug-induced Lupus (DIL) (heart and BP medications) http://groups.google.com/groups?as_q=drug-induced%20Lupus&as_ugroup=a… http://lupusil.org/info/index.html I question whether a person doesn’t already have mild Lupus but goes into a flare from the medications and back into remission when off the medications. But since the medications are necesary for life threatening issues, (unless some older medications for same problems don’t cause a Lupus flare)….. Rash (Lupus rash, malar rash, butterfly rash) http://www.drkoop.com/ency/article/000547.htm (my brother’s is like the man at the bottom of the page) http://medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/IMMHTML/IMM009.html http://medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/IMMHTML/IMM010.html http://www.medstudents.com.br/image/reumat/imagerh6.htm http://www.uklupus.co.uk/malar.html http://thelostlupies.homestead.com/page4.html http://www.lupuscanada.org/en/archive/skin_rashes_in_lupus_erythemat…. Reasons to not get a Lupus diagnosis: 1) if it’s something else that would respond to a different treatment 2) problems getting financing, health or other insurance, problems at work 3) depression can set in if people don’t understand that most Lupus today can be treated and controlled Reasons to get a Lupus diagnosis: 1) An answer to a bunch of confusing symptoms 2) Education, support and understanding (by employers, family, friends) 3) Keep in close touch with a rheumy and make sure you have an educated family doctor who knows what to test for to watch for organ involvement. 4) You’ll then have joined a great support newsgroup Hope this helps (and that someone will scan my reply and correct me where applicable). Best, J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -BJ bhsteven…@alltel.net wrote: > Hi! My new GP (hadn’t needed to go to doctor in years) took one look at me > and my various complaints and said we need to test for lupus. I had decided > that ‘old age’ was creeping up on me and had never thought of lupus. > (complaints – aches and pains – especially knees (had already carpal tunnel > surgery on both wrists) frequent headaches, mouth sores, funky face rash) He > did some tests and ruled it out. Gave me Imitrex for the headaches and it > works, but I end up taking it nearly every day. Gave me lotion for rosecea > and when that didn’t seem to do any good, gave me an antibiotic that hasn’t > helped yet. Sent me to a dermatologist who immediately asked if I had been > tested for lupus and when I said I had told me to keep taking the > antibiotics and using the lotion. GP told me to rinse mouth with peroxide > when I have sores and talk to my dentist. Made me an appointment with a > rheumatologist to talk about OA. She took one look at me and ordered blood > tests to rule out lupus even though I told her I had already had them. She, > too, ruled it out and gave me celebrex for OA…had a reaction to that so > tried Vioxx… reaction so am taking ibuprofen. Am now seeing a chiropractor > for knees and other aches and pains. > Anyhow…. I’ve been reading up on lupus and see where this ANA test > may sometimes (apparently very rarely) be negative and someone still have > lupus. What I would like to understand is, does this test change…as in > positive during a flare-up and negative later or is it ‘once positive – > always positive.’? Also, I would like to know more about this rash. Does > it come and go with flare-ups or is it always there? Does it burn or feel > hot? > I guess what I want to know, is do I give up and consider myself either > old at 54 or a hypochondriac or is there still a chance I have lupus and > need to keep searching? I’m pretty tired of feeling bad. > Thanks so much, BJ
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