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Rheumatology appointment suspected lupus

2 replies

NewtonsCradle · 03/05/2023 17:04

I've got a rheumatology appointment next week can anyone tell me what to expect? I have 3 other autoimmune diseases already and went to the GP a couple of months ago with fatigue and painful joints. The GP suspected rheumatoid arthritis and ran lots of blood tests that came back as negative for ra but positive anti nuclear antibody, positive ds DNA and positive something else that I can't remember (strongly implying lupus). I've had several rashes over the past few months and have taken photos to show to the rheumatologist.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for the appointment? I would love to get some treatment for my hands and wrists as I'm in so much pain when I move them. I'm really worried they'll not do anything to help.

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 05/05/2023 21:48

There are several different conditions other than lupus that have these signs all autoimmune so they are likely to run more bloods.
A lot of the diagnosis comes down to what pattern your positive ANA has. I had a speckled pattern my diagnosis was mixed connective tissue. This requires a rheumatologist as there are over 28 patterns and they need to be interpreted with other results.
I have many of the features of lupus, but also some of scjogrens syndrome and psoriaitic arthritis.

Lonecatwithkitten · 05/05/2023 21:51

The diagnosis slightly alters the disease modulating drugs you get, I take hydroxychloroquinine. Pain control is a mix of medication it is really worth taking max doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen before you go so can say you have tried them. I take paracetamol, naproxen and gabapentin:

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