Posted 8/19/2022 9:07 AM (GMT -8)
Typically, four or more of the following eleven criteria must be present to make a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus.
1. Malar rash: butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
2. Discoid (skin) rash: raised red patches
3. Photosensitivity: skin rash as result of unusual reaction to sunlight
4. Mouth or nose ulcers: usually painless
5. Arthritis (non-erosive) in two or more joints, along with tenderness, swelling, or effusion. With non-erosive arthritis, the bones around joints don’t get destroyed.
6. Cardio-pulmonary involvement: inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis) and/or lungs (pleuritis)
7. Neurological disorder: seizures and/or psychosis
8. Renal (kidney) disorder: excessive protein in the urine, or cellular casts in the urine
9. Hematologic (blood) disorder: hemolytic anemia, low white blood cell count, or low platelet count
10. Immunologic disorder: antibodies to double stranded DNA, antibodies to Sm, or antibodies to cardiolipin
11. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA): a positive test in the absence of drugs known to induce it.
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As you can see here, low WBC is one of the diagnosing symptoms of Lupus -- however, as a Lupus patient since 2000 and a long-time moderator of this Lupus board and member of several others, I have to say I don't recall anyone ever listing it as one of the reasons for their diagnosis.
Does this rheumy have a plan to treat the Lupus he's diagnosing, or is he doing any further tests to confirm his thoughts? Have the treatments from the Lyme Dr helped with any of your symptoms?