So, I was reading up on a few things and have a question or two:
Is it possible for Lupus not to show up on bloodtests the same way the RA factor often does not?
Is it possible to have Lupus for many (MANY) years and it not show up on bloodwork at all/ever?
I probably just need to stop reading stuff, but here's what I was wondering (no worries, I'm not hypochondriacting myself - I know, not a word! I just want to know the likilihood of this):
As a child w/JRA I was regularly checked for Lupus (I know a very common practice w/JRA) - supposedly, I had signs and symptoms often pointing to Lupus, but the bloodwork was always fine.
When I was reading up on Lupus, many of the symptoms they discussed did fall on my list of "strange problems" I've dealt w/in the last 10 years. I was diagnosed w/psoriatic arthritis due to many other visible problems I encountered over the years, Lupus never showed up on bloodwork.
The last thing, I found it odd that Plaquinil (though not helping my psorisis, it's actually gotten worse over the last 4 months) is the one drug (barring Remicade) that has actually helped me in my 25 years of trying various meds. It is the only med so far (again, except Remicade) that I actually FEEL the difference when I skip a dose. And apparently Plauinil is one of the most often Rx'd med for it. Is that just a coincidence?
OKay, I guess I'm just bored...I'll go to bed now! Thanks for letting me ramble. 
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just as a personal testimony,
when i was 19 and saw a rheummy for the first time, i had +RA factor; joint pain etc...he said he didn't know wether or not it was RA or another autoimmune disease. he said he wouldn't be surprised if it turned into something gigantic over the next 5 to 10 years. he mentioned lupus and scleroderma. what a nice thing to say huh? nevertheless, i never saw him again! but then that was foolish because i didn't get treated (well, start of a treatment) until the end of 2002...then it was out of hand.
so who knows??? autoimmune diseases are funny and tricky. they can do undiagnosed for years, progress to a point of disability...one leads to another. it's always a good idea though to be tested at least every year or so for lupus, especially if one does have an AI disease.
i totally connect to your theory! i think the same way.
do i think it impossible? NO WAY
do i think it's a possibility? DEFINITELY
the world of AI disease and rheumatics is not cut and dry half the time as you know! LOL or as we all know!!
good thinking Camama.
be safe...if in doubt, check it out.
{{{{{{{{{ hugs }}}}}}}}}}}
erin
when i was 19 and saw a rheummy for the first time, i had +RA factor; joint pain etc...he said he didn't know wether or not it was RA or another autoimmune disease. he said he wouldn't be surprised if it turned into something gigantic over the next 5 to 10 years. he mentioned lupus and scleroderma. what a nice thing to say huh? nevertheless, i never saw him again! but then that was foolish because i didn't get treated (well, start of a treatment) until the end of 2002...then it was out of hand.
so who knows??? autoimmune diseases are funny and tricky. they can do undiagnosed for years, progress to a point of disability...one leads to another. it's always a good idea though to be tested at least every year or so for lupus, especially if one does have an AI disease.
i totally connect to your theory! i think the same way.
do i think it impossible? NO WAY
do i think it's a possibility? DEFINITELY
the world of AI disease and rheumatics is not cut and dry half the time as you know! LOL or as we all know!!
good thinking Camama.
be safe...if in doubt, check it out.
{{{{{{{{{ hugs }}}}}}}}}}}
erin
Thanks for your input! Not that I WANT to have Lupus, but if it's at all a possibility, I want to make sure if I do have strange symptoms that could fall in that regime again, I'm checked/treated properly!
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Stay on top of your dr's... they may not see the need or forget sometimes... good luck Mama
Diagnosed January 2005 - Psoriatic Arthritis/Dactylitis/Spondylitis
Diagnosed January 2005 - Psoriatic Arthritis/Dactylitis/Spondylitis
-Currently taking 50mg shot weekly of Enbrel
Diagnosed May 1998 - Graves Disease
-Complete Thyroidectomy September 1998 - While 11 weeks pregnant
Other Complications - GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia
I think my next Rhuemy appt. is next Tuesday....I'll try to ask him, but you know these docs, if it's not on paper, it's not happening....heck, they don't think ANYTHING is happening. I just don't get them.
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