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I have been having leg and arm pain on and off for almost 2 years and the can't figure out what is wrong. Recently it has gotten worse I am on naproxen and ultram and lortab for the pain and inflammation. The only thing that is elevated when they tested me for RA and lupus my c-reactive protein levels were slightly elevated but I was taking naproxen at the time and didn't know if that would lower my CRP test results
There is no one definitive laboratory test for lupus. Lupus needs to be diagnosed by an experienced rheumatology. A diagnosis is based on your symptoms, history and lab work all take together. The American College of Rheumatology suggests a diagnosis of lupus if 4 of 11 criteria are met and other conditions are first ruled out.
You don't describe the pain. Muscles? Joints? Weakness? Pain on movement? Pain on touching? This would be an important factor.
You can read a great deal about lupus on the Lupus Foundation of America's website LUPUS.
May 1 is World Lupus Day
They are just aching pains I guess that is the best way to describe it. They hurt to bend and they feel better if the are straight. Mainly leg pains but my arms do hurt also just not as severe. It is like from my knees down. Sometimes they do hurt to touch it kind of depends on the day and how much pain I am in. So what can I do to help with the dr. to get the correct diagnosis on this I do at least have a dr. that is willing to help now. But what is the next step. They also did what is called an ANA I think and it was negative
Thank you for your help!
So are you saying that it is joint stiffness?
ANA is an Antinuclear Antibody titer. It measures the titer (amount) of unusual antibodies that destroy the nuclei of cells and cause tissue death. The higher the titer (number/amount) the more active the disease.
You should also ask your doctor if he has done or will do a Sed Rate. This confirms inflammation or infection anywhere in the body.
Another lab that should be done is called a Serium Complement as well as a SPEP lab test.
These are all labs that are done to help identify Rhumatoid Arthritis as well as Lupus.
It would be in your best interest to get a referral to a rheumatologist as they deal with these disorders in great numbers.
Thank you for your help he ran a whole bunch of test I am not sure what all he did I have my lab results at home I am at work right now I do know that he was checking to see if maybe I had lupus or RA
I agree, you need a referral to a rheumatologist. There are a number of diseases that have similar symtpoms. Lupus is called the great imitator because it can have the same symtpoms that other diseases do. I do have lupus. A regular doctor rarely has the training to properly diagnose autoimmune disease. That is why you need a rheumatologist. The American Academy of Rheumatologists has a website where you can find a member by geographical region.Quote:
Originally Posted by k1j14mom
Before you see a rheumatologist, take time to clearly write down what your symptoms are. Describe the pain thoroughly. What makes it better? What makes it worse? How long does it last? What relieves the pain? When did you first notice the pain? Do you get it every day? All day?
Then get copies of any lab tests that you have had. These belong to YOU and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Yes, they can be sent directly to the rheumatologist, but as most proactive lupus patients will tell you, it is best to keep copies of EVERYTHING yourself. You may be referred to several other specialists and having copies of your records will make all of this a lot easier.
Best wishes in your pursuit of a diagnosis.
Thank you guys so much for your help I really do appreciate it.
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