Is it Lupus

I was diagnosed with Lupus by a Rhumatologist but my ANA test is negative.  My cardiologist does not believe I have Lupus since the test is negative.  I was hospitalized 7 times with fluid and inflammation around my heart and chest cavity.  I periodically get flareups up chest pain and shortness of breath.  I have to take steroids to relieve this.  I suffer with fatigue on a regular basis.  I don't have a rash on my face but do have one on across the top of my chest.  
I'm told by my cardiologist that there is nothing wrong with me.  I've heard a spinal tap might be able to give a final diagnosis. Is this true?  Can you have Lupus with a negative ANA test?

[cudagirl]

Yes you can have Lupus and have a negative test.  I have negative test all the time, then one will be really positive.  My dr said a small percentage of people have what he calls ANA negative Lupus.  There are many diagnositic factors that drs look at when diagnosing someone.  ANA is just one of those. Listen to your Rheum dr he is the expert.  If your cardiologist has questions he should talk to him/her.  Clearly you have some kind of systemic disease.

[luppygirl]

Yes you most certainly can get a negative ANA test and still have Lupus.  That is what makes Lupus so tricky to diagnose.  Keep pushing for a proper diagnoses.  This your health we are talking about and if you don't push it who will??