Confused

[Dawn_mum]

Hi everyone, I went for my first rheumatologist appointment last week

Awaiting results from blood tests.

Does anybody know what happens if you have a negative results do they discharge you??? What happens next??

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Dawn_mum,

I'd try not to worry too much about the 'what-ifs' until you get your test results back. What might happen next can vary depending on the symptoms a patient experiences, the exact findings from the results, the consultant etc. They may want to repeat the tests, they may want to do further tests for an alternative diagnosis, they may suggest an alternative diagnosis, they may discharge you or they may diagnose you with sero-negative lupus. It is important that you wait for the results and then discuss this next stage with the consultant.

[Dawn_mum in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thhank you for your reply, it has put my mind at rest a little now 😊

[GloomyEeyore in reply to Dawn_mum]

I agree with Paul. I have negative bloods but my rheumatologist has not discharged me. He has talked about sero-negative lupus and how my symptoms fit. Also said 2% of patients can have negative bloods and I could be one of that 2%. He started me on Hydroxychloroquine and referred me for a capillaryoscipy, (which came back with abnormal results), and pulmanoray tests which I am still waiting for. Hasn't actually diagnosed me yet as he is waiting to see how I go for six months on the medication. In the mean time my GP is seeing me every three weeks and will get in touch with my rheumatologist if he feels I need seen earlier. I know it is hard but try not to worry too much.

[Dawn_mum in reply to GloomyEeyore]

Thank you! It helps to understand what may happen

[Annie123456]

Sometimes you blood test will not show rhemy up I had had it for 18 years the doctor will want to find out more before he discharges you