Lupus / Fibromyalgia /Rheumatoid Arthritis - WHAT QUESTIONS should I be asking the Internist I'm going to see?

I am going to the Internist on May 21, 22 due to my blood test coming back after complaints of extreme pain in my bones, tendons and muscles.

Background: Hepatitis C Treatment - Sustained Virologic Response ("cured") - minimal liver damage. Interferon possibly causing some sort of AutoImmune Disease - or arthritis.

On Quest Diagnostics - this was my results:

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Anachoice (TM) Screen w/ REFL to TITER IFA ANACHOICE --- NEGATIVE

RHEUMATOID FACTOR                             92 H *********************

C-Reactive Protein                                   0.17
Hemoglobin A1c 2ith MPG Hemoglobin Alc            5.5
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41 year old female.




So --- what questions should I be asking?

Are there any articles I can cite - or any tests I should ask for?

Thank you ahead of time - for any and all opinions - I'm not sure it's arthritis based on the ANA testing - however - we're talking I'm in extreme pain... To the point I can't sleep and I am having a hard time walking and bending over - etc.

Meki

[Sally44]

I think there are definate tests that can be done to rule out Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritus.  There is also a condition called Hemochromatosis, which may/may not be relevant.  When all those have been done and come back clear then you tend to be looking at Fibromyalgia.  I was recently diagnosed after having had it for over 25 years.  My symptoms with Fibromyalgia were alot of muscle/tendon pain.  Total lack of energy.  Especially about 1-2 hours after eating I would fall asleep.  When I woke up I felt like I had been fighting someone all night long.  I felt exhausted.  My feet hurt in the morning.  I had continual headaches and like a cognitive fog that seemed to stop me being able to think!  I do think that Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune allergic reaction.  I have also developed Hayfever and Asthma within the last 10 years.
I have been seeing a nutricianist recently and that has helped me more than anything else.  If you find out it is Fibromyalgia then post me back and I will give you the advice that was given to me.

[meki]

Thank you Sally.

Your time is much appreciated.

Meki

[PlateletGal]

Good luck with your follow-up appointments. I can only tell you that 29% of fibro patients have a positive ANA and 21.5% of fibro patients have a positive rheumatoid factor.

[DeeCee257]

I'd ask the internist to refer you to a good Rheumatologist.