ds-Dna results

[Cyprusgal]

Hi, I am new to this site and thank you for letting me join 😊 I am in the process of trying to get a diagnosis to my ongoing health issues 😢 I have been struggling with various issues the last couple of years.

Joint pain, especially wrists, fingers, ankles and feet.

Pins and needles and burning feet.

Bad balance problems (like I am swaying all the time)

Needing the loo all the time especially at night.

Itchy dry scalp all the time (tried numerous things)

Fatigue

Flu like symptoms and generally feeling very unwell.

I have seen a neurolagist who run some bloods and have been referred to see a rheumatologist on the basis of the results which I really don't understand apart from my ds-Dna been out of range at 39 when it should be under 20 any advise or experience would be greatly appreciated.

[Hidden]

If your problems are autoimmune, an appointment with a rheumatologist should hopefully find some answers. "Joint pain, especially wrists, fingers, ankles and feet." sounds suggestive of RA, but there are so many autoimmune diseases that appear to have similar symptoms.

[Oshgosh]

If you being referred to a rheumatologist,you should get some answers.

Will probably throw up more questions as well!

I take a small pad and pen and jot stuff down in bullet points.

[KayHimm]

It sounds like your neurologist is very thorough and has been ruling out various illness, including systemic autoimmune diseases. You tested positive for some tests that have prompted a referral to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist will put it all together and may recommend more tests. I imagine this is a difficult time not knowing what is wrong with you.

We are all here to help. Most of remember our first visit to the rheumatologist and can relate.

K

[Cyprusgal]

Thank you all for your replies 😊 I have an appointment with the rheumatologist this coming Thursday

[F1zz in reply to Cyprusgal]

I would write down every symptom and when it started as my appointment with the rheumatologist was very thorough and asked lots of questions. I was very anxious about my appointment after years of brick walls with my health but they listened to every weird thing my body does. If u can take someone with you as it can be a little overwhelming. Good luck x

[Cyprusgal in reply to F1zz]

Thank you, I will 😊

[Cyprusgal]

Hi, I had my appointment with the rheumatologist and have been diagnosed with Lupus and possible Sjogrens 😢 had lots more tests and waiting now for the results and a Brain scan a week on Monday then a treatment plan will be put on place, can anyone advise what I should expect with the treatment? Thanks in advance

[KayHimm in reply to Cyprusgal]

I know this is a bittersweet moment. You know why you have been feeling so awful for a long time. But now you also know you have a chronic illness. I kind of thought from your post that you would end up with a lupus diagnosis. Right now you have to put one foot ahead of the other, go through the tests and let yourself have all of your feelings. Your doctors will pull everything together and come up with a plan. Many here will have your set of symptoms and help you going forward. Until your tests are in, they won’t know the best way to treat you. So try to have faith in your doctors. Ask questions. Know you have lots of support.

Thinking of you.

K

[Cyprusgal in reply to KayHimm]

Thank you, have got up today and my muscles in my back at the sides are very painful and it hurts to even move could this be related to the Lupus? I have taken some anti inflammatory tablets to try and ease it. I am in the learning curve of what the lupus will effect at the moment 😊

[KayHimm in reply to Cyprusgal]

That is hard to say. Muscles aches are common. I have always had more myalgia than joint point with my UCTD. I think you should touch base with your GP tomorrow. Do you have a fever? They always have to consider a viral infection, which can have similar symptoms.

We are all always learning. Good you ask questions. Ask your doctor for parameters as to when to make immediate contact with the rheumatology nurse e.g fever over 100, joint swelling, severe headache. They know your individual case and what to watch for.

Take care.

K