Hello, I am completely new to all of this. I was being investigated for what the Doctor thought was severe Eczema but my ANA, Anti-TIF Gamma, PMS cl 75 and LDH antibody blood tests have all come back positive.
I have been referred to a Rheumatologist but I don't know when this will happen. In the meantime I am really frightened about what I might have. Does anyone understand these blood tests and can provide some insight in to these please? Thank you
Hi Phive03,
sorry to hear you're having a tough time at the moment. It can be very frightening hearing all these terms and then Dr Google can throw up some scary disorders too. My advice to you would be to go back to your GP and ask what their opinion is, as it could take a long time to get a Rheumy appointment. They will look as systemic symptoms and use the blood result as one piece of info amongst many to come to a diagnosis. Its hard to get your head around at the start, but nothing in rheumatology is cut and dried. So positive blood results might mean nothing without the other symptoms. Or it might mean you're in the very early stages of something, that wont be diagnosed for a few years. Its very hard, but please remember we're all here for you!
I would also say to you to go into the meeting with your GP prepared. Have a think about any changes you've noticed in your body over the last year or two and write out a list for yourself. Things like: joint/muscle pain, fatigue, hair loss, skin issues (other than your current eczema), headaches, eye/mouth issues, digestive complaints, flu like symptoms, brain fog, allergies, fainting/ lightheadedness. You may feel like a hypochondriac when you write up the list of symptoms, but these are the questions a good rheumatologist would be asking, so your GP should appreciate the help!
Just following on from what has been shared, I would also write down when it occurs. However, if you cannot recall when this happens or you find it just happens at random, it's not the end of the world and that can also be helpful as well. My mother, who was a midwife, always told me not to self edit: share the information - as in, your symptoms (NOT your interpretation of the possible diagnosis) with conviction and allow the medical professional to come to a factual conclusion. In essence, don't hold back. I made the mistake of holding back information (because of Dr Google) and mentioned it in passing (well, whilst telling a joke to my Dermatologist) a year after it had started. It transpired that the said information led to a very quick diagnosis. Prior to that, everyone - including my GP - was trying to work out why my health was declining. Often the smallest thing leads to the main culprit.
I also agree. Stay well away from Dr Google or otherwise, you'll go crazy. Follow Tempname's advice and become best friends with your pen and paper instead.
Hello, I know this must be an anxious time, I’ve been there! However try not to read too much into blood tests. I had a inflammation marker and a positive rheumatoid factor test. My gp basically said I rheumatoid arthritis and my rheumatology appointment was months and months away, so I got myself so worked up on google. I even ended up in a&e with complex migraines caused by anxiety. When I go to my appointment the first thing he said was ‘this definitely isn’t rheumatoid arthritis’ haha. so you just don’t know until you speak to the specialist. I still don’t have a diagnosis but I’ve learned a lot from these forums over the past few days. Take comfort in your not alone.
Thank you so much for your reply. This is certainly encouraging, thank you for sharing. Fingers crossed my diagnosis will not be as dire as I imagine!
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