Hello, new and had blood results - thoughts?

[Balletmum71]

Hello, I'm new on here and have posted in various different forums.

Long story short I have had two lots of bloods taken one back in May and another in September . Both have shown positive ANA(speckled ) and my CRP and ESR are both raised .The letter said the consultant was looking at mixed connective and inflammatory arthritis (although my RF is negative ) . I will be sent for an MRI scan using contrast dye on ankles and wrists .

In the letter my consultant said that he noted my rash and had st,proms of SLE but also symptoms of other autoimmune disorders .

Is it possible then I could have lupus . I had been off steroids for a week by the time I had bloods ) would that have affected my readings ?

since the appt, my joints have gone crazy visible swelling, stiffness and the fatigue has increased significantly . The joints involved are knees (both ) wrists, fingers and ankles and toes (both sides ) . Even though I have my results and they are positive shall I tell the consultant that it is getting worse ? The positive wasn't strong strong but strong enough to say it was positive .

Thank you ,

Becky .

[PMRpro]

ALWAYS tell your doctor when things are getting worse - most diseases start small and grow!

Good luck with the rheumy's detective work.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Balletmum71 ,

We wouldn't be able to say whether you could have lupus or not I'm afraid. It is a complex condition to diagnose as it can often overlap with other conditions, which may result in a diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD).

As PMRpro has said, please do let your consultant know that your symptoms are getting worse. The more information they have, the better their chances of making a complete diagnosis. Do you have another appointment lined up yet?

If you want more information about lupus and how it is diagnosed, we have a free pack which you can request or download from our website at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...

For more information about MCTD, please have a look at our factsheet here - lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...