Fibro or something else

Hi, I now have an appointment for a rheumotologist but not until October.  My ANA is 180 but my RF is negative and my hemoglobin was a bit low the Dr. said.  Having to wait until October, I am wondering what I can do to help my fatigue in the meantime.  Are there any vitamins I should take?  What about diet?  I nap constantly and have a hard time waking up and still experience restless legs nd aching.  Does the RF rule out lupus and artheritis?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The rheumatoid factor is not a 100% sensitive test.  With a positive ANA level, rheumatologic diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can still be considered.

You may want to evaluate for other causes of fatigue - such as Lyme disease, mononucleosis, anemia, or thyroid/kidney/liver disease.  These can all be evaluated via various blood tests.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Kalio1]

Have your had your liver checked out?

[missmellie]

check for the HLA 27B gene. ankylosing sponylitis, can casue extreme fatigue , pain throughout body, effects ligament and joints, i was eventaully diagnoed after 10 years, first symptoms were when i was 17, flared up when i was 25, i had all kinds of tests, postive ana, low thiamin elevated tsh thyroid is always somehting that a lady needs to get tested, talk to your family and get a history of illnesses and diseases that run in your family, you may not always find the answer here, i inherited AS from my dad, he cetainly had all the symptoms when he was young but things were different back then if you didn't work you didn't eat, only later when i was diagnoed did we find the casue of his pain.  please consider this test, if you have good insurance i'm sure this will be covered,medical expenses can really mount up. i should know, this is a specific test that can rule out a very chronic form of arthristis that affects the entire body, the fatigue can be extreme, i was nver anemic, it drove me mad, the inflammation progress in arthritis and the like is usually when you are having a flare up, sometimes this can be for months.

one thing is do you feel better when you are active or when you are resting?
take care I know this is a long reply but this disease is always overlooked because it is mostly found in men. i have a sister with it too and two of my boys have it too.  50% chance of your children inheriting it.. please look up this disease if it di d turn out that you were postive finda good rhumatologist, going to the mayo clinic is a good option ! if possible. as they of course specialise in the hard to diagnose diseases and illnesses.  god bless

[sherlee]

I suffer from fibro etc. my daughter e-mailed this to me the other night it's a story of how to explain how your daily life is without them having pain also.here goes http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2006/thespoontheory.php#more check it out it is the best to explain to people where you are.