Is it Lupus or not?

[Katarina2010]

Doctor called last night to say that all my blood and 24hour urine results were back and everything looked good.  I have had high ANA 1280 homogeneous, he did not say what latest was, negative for dsDNA, blood work did not show  anything.  Said yes, I do have blood and protein in urine, but not bad, but could be Lupus related.  Had rash for 7 months before Plaquenil kicked in, still have muscle pain and weakness but feeling not bad .  Doctor says suggests Lupus but won't commit, but also says stay on Plaquenil.  Does everyone come away from these appointments feeling like a hypochondriac or is it just me.  I have been feeling more like myself lately so maybe I am cured, what do you think?  Lol

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi! A high ANA of homogenous pattern is common in lupus. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has identified 11 characteristics that should be present for diagnosis of SLE or lupus and it is important that at least 4 of the characteristics should be present for a confirmed diagnosis. This includes serositis (pleurisy or pericardiatis), mouth ulcer, low WBC or leucopenia/anemia (hemolytic)/thrombocytopenia/lymphopenia, arthritis, kidney involvement, high ANA (you have this), finding of Smith Antibody (Anti-Smith)/ dsDNA (negative)/ antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin immunoglobulin G [IgG] or immunoglobulin M [IgM] or lupus anticoagulant), neurological features like seizures and psychosis, discoid rash and malar rash. Since you have high ANA, presence of any 3 other characteristic will confirm whether you have lupus or not. If they are not present, then a confirmed lupus diagnosis cannot be made. In such cases, depending on your symptoms other differential diagnosis will have to be made. Do discuss this with your doctor and get yourself examined. Take care!

[Mama2many]

I am kinda in your position.  I have had 2 light pos. ANA's.  Because I have not had the other  symptoms he said that I have fibro but I have to keep benig tested for Lupus 2x a year.  I am still in a great deal of pain, mostly in my legs and the musc. relaxers that I have been given do not do much for me.  It is hard to go to sleep and I am tired most of the day.  I do end up feeling like a hypo because every week or so my symptoms change or a new one is added.  I just started have muscle spasums every day.  I understnad your frustration and I hope you find some answers.  

[Katarina2010]

Thank you for your response. As you point out my ANA is high and homogenous pattern points to Lupus.  I have had malar rash, seem to be having kidney involvment, Dr pointed out arthritic involvment to me in my hands that I had just thought were inherited deformities and sore hips, and my muscles in thighs and arms get sore and weak.  Do all of these have to be present at same time on day doctor sees you before diagnosis can be made.  Is your history not taken into consideration.  Now, because of my husbands work, we have to move to another town where I will need to find another doctor.  Will I have to start all over again? How should I approach next doctor, the last one was a little put out with me that I said I probably had Lupus.  Thanks for any advice you have.