Dr Is Testing Me For Lyme And Lupus

[mythreesuns]

and other auto-immune stuff.

This is my primary dr, and he's still working under the assumption that I don't have issues with gluten. I called him today because the pain has gotten progressively worse all week, especially this morning. I could barely walk to the bathroom this morning!

What's the likelihood that all my symptoms (migraines, arthritis, diarrhea, bloating and gas, etc.) could be attributed to one of these conditions: Lupus, Lyme, RA

[rinne]

I don't know so much but I do know that is true for Lyme.

[kabowman]

I was tested for all that too, after going gluten-free and my doc supported that, except all she said was, great, glad you figured it all out, well thanks.

Anyway, they still watch my thyroid occasionally but, I was treated for lyme disease by a dermatologist, even though all the tests came back negative, for 6 months and I got better - I didn't think it would work, I didn't think it was lyme, I really suspected lupus or RA, and I quit taking the meds when I got better and haven't gone back to the doc. Now, I do have some other lingering side effects but not bad and not worth worrying about.

Either way, the tests are often false negatives and if you are having problems, in addition to the gluten intolerance, keep looking. Another thing I figured out was, I cannot have hardly any sugar and it really causes me to have a lot of ups and downs.

Once I figured out ALL my food issues, my joint pain went away. My rashes are under control by my allergist (rosacea and eczema). I almost hate getting ready in the AM now, 4 different creams, ointments, and gels but they work.

[Nancym]

Lyme disease is very tricky to find once it has been in the body for awhile. It leaves the blood and goes elsewhere. If you suspect you have it, you should probably try to find someone extremely knowledgeable about it.

[imsohungry]

Lyme disease is very tricky to find once it has been in the body for awhile. It leaves the blood and goes elsewhere. If you suspect you have it, you should probably try to find someone extremely knowledgeable about it.

I agree with NancyM. Finding an extremely knowledgable dr. is important in dx. any autoimmune disease (because the symptoms mimic those of other illnesses and are often not easily pinpointed by simple bloodwork). Can you be referred to a rheumatologist? If you have a PPO insurance plan, you may not even need to be referred. Good luck to you! -Julie

[mythreesuns]

Can you be referred to a rheumatologist?

The dr said if anything iffy shows up on all the bloodwork he's referring me to a rheumatologist. I USED to have a PPO but now I have an HMO.

But I have a fairly good primary who listens and is willing to refer if he thinks something is over his head.

[up-late]

My old doc tested me for these when I was ending up in his office twice a week with the same symptoms. Mine came back negative, but then he told me I didn't have osteo-athritis either when the specialist showed me my x-rays and they clearly showed I did. Press him to continue tests or refer you. Don't let him fob you off.

[mythreesuns]

Press him to continue tests or refer you. Don't let him fob you off.

My dr's been pretty good so far. He's already confirmed arthritis from the x-ray on my toe; this was before everything ELSE started hurting, so he is not taking the pain lightly. He's already pointed out that some things don't make sense; I'm young for osteoarthritis which seems to making him curious about what's giving me the arthritis, and I didn't develop migraines until I was 31, which is very uncommon.

I have a feeling I'll end up with a rheumatologist. I'll make sure of it.