Lupus RF factor and what to ask

[autoimmunemystery]

Good morning,

I am looking for some advice in regards to my rising RF factor. I have many signs and symptoms of lupus but all my basic blood work is borderline, the only obvious flag To my pcp was anemia. I see a specialist in less than a month. I cannot wait for this. However am wondering if over the years this has started my rf has gone from 4 to 8 to 10 and if anyone has had a similar experience? Should in specifically bring this up to the doctor?

Secondly- just hoping for any advise on some good questions to ask him.

I have joint pain, neuropathy, tingling ins feet hands, serious fatigue, dry Sandy eyes at times, shortness of breath, fevers, constipation, diahrreaha, among many other symptoms I have written down for him. These all seem to happen together worse at once or in cycles. My hands, feet and nose- always cold and my joint pain is regular especially in my wrists where I had developed avascualr necrosis in the lunate bones.

Thank you for any advise or response. I'm new here so if I'm post in the wrong place please remove! Sorry!

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

Welcome to LUpus Patients Understanding & Support (LUPUS) at HealthUnlocked.

Blood tests alone cannot and do not "diagnose" SLE, which is hard to diagnose and can take a longtime,months or even years. What IS important are your symptoms and how you are clinically, ie upon examination. You need a lupus specialist;not all rheumatologists are expert in lupus. Do not be surprised or upset, if you don't get an immediate diagnosis. Often, the doctor wants to "wait and see" ie to see whether any new symptoms emerge.

There are many people with, for example, a positive ANA but do not have any autoimmune disease. Laboratories also differ and thus the numbers to which you refer are meaningless,without knowing the lab. This is why doctors like to repeat blood tests with their labs and then compare the results over time.

Before you see the specialist, write down, from birth, every illness you have had, no matter how irrelevant you may think it is. Include any psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression - and give dates. I also suggest you record any new symptoms you develop.

You should also write down any questions you may have.

I hope this is somewhat helpful. If you have any questions or want to talk, please join the LuPUS MB which has a great deal of up to date information. It is free!

We also have another website called the LuPUS Message Board where you can also post questions and talk to other people. Registration is FREE and we offer free information and free online psychological support. We specialise in psychological support with our own counsellor/psychotherapist available.

By becoming a Member, you will have access to the private forums and because they are private, only Members have access and even bots and search engines are forbidden.

When you register, please use the following format for entering your date of birth: nn-nn-nnnn where n=number. Please use the "-" separator and not "/".

Finally, please go to: lupus-support.org/LuPUSMB and Sign Up.

I look forward to talking with you more!

Sometimes we need to talk to people who understand and who are not family or friends.

With good wishes!

Ros

Disclaimer: No attempt is made to diagnose or to make any medical judgement. You are advised to seek the advice from your own physician. LUpus Patients Understanding & Support (LUPUS) is not a substitute for your own doctor.