Lupus

[help_me-plz]

how do I know if I'am suffering from lupus after 17 years of never knowing about it? Also, if I'am suffering from lupus how does that affect a common cold in someone with asthma?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi help_me-plz,

If you suspect that you may have lupus, then the first step is to discuss your reasons for believing this with your GP and ask for some initial blood tests, such as an ANA test. I'm not medically trained and so cannot advise upon what effect the lupus may have in someone with asthma and a cold.

[Springsong]

It can take time to accurately diagnose. Ideally you want all the tests to be done during a 'flare' of symptoms (you then start questioning yourself as to how you feel, is this its worst or are you being silly...) & then all the tests pool to give an eventual result. I have many 'pointers' towards my having Lupus including my mother being diagnosed but they are still investigating with me & I don't have it officially confirmed just yet (I only got an official diagnosis of Raynauds in the last 12mths despite the symptoms having been around since childhood).

Talk to your GP about your symptoms & any reasons you have to believe that they are linked, they will then advise the next steps (blood tests, referrals to different departments, X-Ray's, MRI scans...). Hope you get some answers