aps syndrome

[dls87]

does anyone at all know what the test is called when the send you for a blood test for aps andanit cardioplin tests??? theres a few on my sheet which have not been performed so just wondering if it could be those 2. docs dont have time to sit down and tell me what is what so its easier to find out for myself. how is everyone by the way?

[Lily]

Hi Danielle :)

The tests will probably be written as cardiolipin antibodies, maybe even acl's:

http://www.rcpamanual.edu.au/sections/pathologytest.asp?s=33&i=53

and probably the other one will be listed as Lupus inhibitor or lupus anticoagulant or abbreviations that mean that......... depends on the doc:

http://www.rcpamanual.edu.au/sections/pathologytest.asp?s=33&i=281

Those links are from the Royal Australasian College Pathologists site, which is a good reference for you when you want to check what something is that they are testing for.

When do you go to the Mater? Hopefully the doc there will give you much more time, especially the first visit and be able to answer any questions you have. Is it a high risk ob-gyn you are seeing there or a Rheumy?

If its a gyn then it might be worth asking who is good to see about your Lupus. I go to one of the major university hospitals in Sydney as I got nowhere with the local specialists. Its been worth it for me to travel, I get the very best care there. Most lupies find that is the case in Australia, you will only find the best specialists at the University hospitals. I'm sure there are exceptions, but a lot of the run of the mill rheumies dont deal with Lupus all that often, its more osteoarthritis, sometimes rheumatoid arthritis etc.

At the major hospitals they are there because its usually in a big city and thats where the best facilities and research bases are. A lot of them teach at the uni too. There are advantages to this, they are usually very interested in their chosen field and they also have access to other specialties if they are stumped about something. Sometimes we have to see other specialists and it was my Immunologist who deals with my Lupus who referred me to a good Neurologist he works with. Prior to that I had seen someone locally and she really had not seen much of lupus and therefore couldnt answer many questions or even diagnose me - mainly because she simply hadnt had the experience with it.

I'm not doing too bad, we got a ton of rain down here in NSW which you have probably heard about the flooding and tradgedies with cars being swept away etc. I'll be up your way visiting my son next month, cant wait, its bound to be warmer I hope !!

Hope you are enjoying your long weekend :)

Take care,

love
Lily