Can anyone help

[yorkshiregirl44]

My sister is having pain in all joints also a rash on her face made worse by the sun.

Her recent blood tests shoe esr 14 range 1-14

Rheumatoid factor 20 range 0-20.

Since may the rhymatoid factor has gone from 5 to 20.

Any ideas please....

Thanks

[misty14]

Hi Yorkshiregirl44

Sorry to read of your sister's health problems. Is she seeing a Rheumatologist?. If not she needs one in view of those blood results. They would be able to offer treatment and advice. X

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to misty14]

Shes getting a rhuemy rferral. Do you know if the R factor of 20 is classed as negative orpositive.

Thanks

[misty14 in reply to yorkshiregirl44]

Hi Yorkshire girl

Good that your sister is getting a Rheumy Referral. I don't know the answer to your blood test question . Let us know how she gets on. X

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to misty14]

I will do and thanks

[IrishLupie]

She needs to see a rheumatologist because while it wounds like SLE it doesn't mean it is, even with the rash on the face. She will probably be told to have CRP and FBC blood tests done but she needs to see the specialist who will know what to do.

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to IrishLupie]

Thanks and yes she does need to seethe right specialist who will listen and not just go on results alone.

[Larrylad123]

Sorry to hear about your sister my daughter had very similar and other symptoms it took us over a year to get her diagnosed with Lupus we need up taking her to the Lupus Centre in London to see a consultant there. Then he transferred her to Guys Hospital to see the same consultant on the NHS! It sounds like Lupus to me she needs to have the tests for Lupus get a consultant that knows about Lupus.

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to Larrylad123]

So right..i know from my own expereinces getting the right help is key. I think the rheumy she will see initially will be part of a local hospital...not sure what he or she will specialise in.

[madmagz]

Hi Yorkshiregirl

Sorry to see that your sister is having such difficulties I can totally sympathise, it looks to me like it is a possibility she may be photosensitive - made worse by UV light this will mean that she is made worse by not only the sun but low energy lighting and florescent lighting too, I know this as I am photosensitive and have been for years. I can offer you some basic tips to help her as I have learned over the years by trial and error. I always wear gloves and something on my head, I try to avoid going out when the UV index is very high, I tend to wear fabrics that will block UV rays from my skin, thicker and dark colours are best and then any exposed skin I apply at least a factor fifty sun cream and these things make a big difference. I have to apply a factor fifty sun cream at work several times each shift as they have flourescent lighting but at least they are not uncovered tubes they now have shades on them. I have a very good dermatologist who gave me most of these tips she has been very helpful, I also have a good supplier of the old style light bulbs they are still available and if you shop about you can get them at pretty good prices.

All the very best both to you and your sister I hope she feels well again soon

Madmagz x

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to madmagz]

I knowshes applying 50 factor suncream not only the face rash but lasy year she got phorisis all over her body for the first time in her life.

[madmagz]

Do you mean psoriasis? if so that is a totally kettle of fish all together as UV light makes psoriasis better and in fact is treated with UV light therapy. If however she had discoid lesions over her body which are sores caused by the lupus these are very painful and I can totally sympathise as I have them myself, they have caused me to lose my hair and many other problems beside. A factor fifty cream on its own and only apply thinly or once is not enough it needs to be reapplied regularly and very generously. Then all the layers of clothing on top this was the advice of my dermatologist and I hope it can help your sister.

All the best to you both

Madmagz x