Hello

[kazmac45]

Hi, I'm new to the forum so just finding my way around. I'm awaiting more blood results after my ANA came back 'presumptive positive' but it's away for further tests. Still awaiting all my other results. All were clear 2 years ago when my specific symptoms appeared, particularly skin rash, except my CRP which was sky high, but it seems not so this time. So not diagnosed as yet, but my various symptoms fit with Lupus (and, of course, many other conditions), and am awaiting another rheumatology referral.

I'm anxious and sore, so am glad to be among people who understand a bit more than some of my friends and colleagues. I'm also choked with the cold at the minute, so feel even worse! Hopefully it won't last long

[whisperit]

Hello and welcome kazmac,

What does "presumptive positive" mean, I wonder?

Anyway, keep in touch. Hope you get that rheumatology referral through soon and feel better even sooner x

[Lupiknits in reply to whisperit]

Welcome kazmac. This is a good place to be x

[kazmac45 in reply to whisperit]

I'm not really sure, neither is my GP. We're assuming it got a vaguely positive result but that they want to do more tests to make sure. Maybe my other results will support or disprove that in some way? I have no idea!

I know I got my rheumatology appointment fairly quickly last time, so I'm hoping that will be the case this time too

[kazmac45 in reply to kazmac45]

Well, I rang the surgery - my further ANA tests have come back positive. So now awaiting rheumatology appointment and see what they say.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi kazmac45 ,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK community. I hope that you find this a useful place for information and support.

If you need 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...

Do you have a date for your rheumatology appointment yet? If you'd like any tips on preparing for it, you may find our blog article here helpful - lupusuk.org.uk/getting-the-...

Keep us updated with how you are getting on and please let me know if you need anything.

[kazmac45 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi Paul, thanks for such a nice welcome. I've been to rheumatology before, around 21 months ago when I first had severe symptoms, and I work in the hospital, so I think I'm okay for now in terms of what to expect and what to ask. However this site and forum has been very helpful so far and I've certainly been doing a lot more reading I'll also have a look at the blog post you mention. To answer your other question - no, I don't have a date yet. I just got the message from my GP when I rang the surgery yesterday. However I didn't wait long at all last time, so hopefully won't be too long this time either. In saying that, my symptoms were much more severe last time, so who knows!