FAQs - Diagnosis
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Is there a test for systemic lupus? +
There is not a single diagnostic test for systemic lupus. Read More -
Why is systemic lupus so difficult to diagnose? +
It is difficult for a number of reasons: Systemic lupus is a multi-system disease, and before a multi-system disease can… Read More -
How is systemic lupus diagnosed? +
Physicians have to gather information from a variety of sources: past medical history, lab tests and current symptoms. They use… Read More -
CONFUSION ABOUT DIAGNOSIS. I've seen a list of symptoms of lupus and I have just about every one. The doctor I went to doesn't think I have lupus, but he doesn't seem to know too much about it. How can I be sure I do or do not have lupus? +
Lupus is a very difficult disease to diagnose. Physicians use a list of 11 criteria to assist in the diagnosis.… Read More -
I am afraid I might have lupus and my doctor is going to miss something and end up diagnosing me with lupus too late. If I have it, I want to be diagnosed as early as possible. How can I make sure I am diagnosed earlier rather than later? +
Because lupus tends to develop slowly and evolve gradually over time, awaiting a diagnosis can be like waiting for a… Read More -
My doctor suspects I have lupus, but hasn't diagnosed me with it yet. I have a lot of joint pain in my hands and knees. Can anything be prescribed to give me some relief, or do I have to wait until I have a definite diagnosis before they can treat me? +
Sometimes, a trial of lupus medications is helpful, so discuss this with your doctor. Read More -
My Doctor said my lupus test came back "borderline positive." What does this mean? +
The screening test for lupus is called the ANA (antinuclear antibody). All lab tests have normal values. If a test… Read More -
I was told my ANA was positive, but I don't have lupus. My Doctor thinks I have a connective tissue disease. What does this mean? +
Connective tissue includes joints, tendons, cartilage, collagen, muscles and skin. There are a number of connective tissue diseases; rheumatoid arthritis,… Read More -
What kind of Doctor can diagnose systemic lupus? +
If multiple criteria are present simultaneously, the diagnosis may be made by any physician (Family Practitioner, Internist, Pediatrician). If however,… Read More -
My doctor suspects that I may be developing lupus, but I don't satisfy enough criteria to be diagnosed. Is there anything I can do to slow its development or prevent it from occurring? +
If you are indeed developing lupus, there is no known way of arresting it. You can, however, be an active… Read More -
I was told my ANA was positive and I have a lot of pain, but my doctor thinks I have fibromyalgia and not lupus. What does this mean? +
Patients with positive ANA's and muscle and joint pain do not necessarily have lupus. Fibromyalgia, which is also common in… Read More
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