Just looking for some advice!

[chellykm]

I suffer from Juevenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, but was diagnosed with Lupus last year by my GO. Circumstances have forces me to stop working and recently in trying to get treatment the ANA test result came back normal. I know the symptoms from RA, and although they are similar, there has to be something else going on, but I feel like I am going absolutely crazy while trying to at least figure out if Lupus is even the correct diagnosis. Have any if you had inconsistent test results to confirm Lupus?

[Kath1]

Sorry to hear of your troubles, unfortunately it can be very hard to get a lupus diagnosis, it took 10 years of tests, scans and biopsies to get mine, all because test results can often be inconsistent. If you can try and keep a daily symptoms diary, it will help to track what happens when, show any possible triggers and help the hospital to really understand what you go through. I have test results that vary and it can be confusing. Look after yourself and I hope you get the answers you need soon

[Cas70]

Yes - there can be lots of different opinions. I concentrated on feeling better rather than pinning a name to it. It took a year before I managed to get a Dr to say the words. I think they are scared to verbalise a diagnosis these days ! Just concentrate on finding remedies to make you feel better. There are lots of posts here on slow and confusing diagnosis or have a chat on their help line.

[SjogiBear]

I was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis at 16 although the disease took an odd course and I ended up with kidney and liver failure. I was then told when I was in my mid-30s that I actually had lupus and it had probably been this all along as I didn't have lasting joint damage from the RA. Move on to my 40s and I was diagnosed with Sjogrens. From my own experience I believe this kind of disease can present in many different forms at different stages of your life. ANA results can change due to any treatment you may be receiving. What kind of symptoms are you experiencing that point towards the lupus diagnosis?

[LouisaRose]

It can take many years to get a positive diagnosis of Lupus. I started with arthritis when I was around 5 years old and after many hospital visits, tests, and lots of times in terrible pain without any proper answers, I was finally diagnosed with Lupus in 1996 at the age of 28. The problem with Lupus is that it presents itself in so many different ways, it is incredibly hard to give the positive diagnosis. There are so many symptoms that people experience, from rashes, joint and muscle pains, ulcers, raynauds to the more serious problems with kidneys etc., that as the sufferer you do feel as though you are going mad or being treated as just a hypochondriac. I agree with Kath above. Try to keep a diary of how you feel from day to day and what symptoms you are experiencing. This is very useful when you take it to your Doctor. Also test results do vary with lupus patients so you can see how it can be difficult for Doctors, particularly GPs who I have found have very limited knowledge or interest in lupus, to come to a positive diagnosis. I wish you well, look after yourself and I hope you get the answers you are looking for.

[Pugbug]

My son just got diagnosed with Juvenile Enthesitis-Related arthritis. He's 15. Can I ask how old you first got diagnosed?