[imyy4you67]

Hi,
I just had a series of labs done again like I do every 3-4 months and my CK level was 185. Is this part of Lupus? I was diagnosed with Lupus in May 2008 but have been suffering for about 5 years with different weird symptoms. I am on Plaquenil 200mg twice daily. The reson why I ask if is is part of Lupus is because that and the ANA are the only elevated lab tests I have. My ANA was 1280 with a Homogenous pattern. All my other labs including blood counts, urine and other lupus tests are normal. Thats what confuses me, Shouldnt other tests come back abnormal also if you have Lupus. I also have symptoms of diffuse muscle pains and spasms in my legs , low grade fevers, facial and hand flushing along with brittle nails and pain and redness around my cuticles. I am seeing specialist October 13th in New York to get a second opinion. I feel like crap but I have picture perfect blood work except for ANA and CK levels. Has anyone been in this situation?? Any advise would be helpful. Thanks!!:worried:

 

[Raglet]

hi there, how frustrating for you. With a ANA of that level something must be going on, so I hope you are getting treatment for your symptoms.

I don't know much about CK, but I think raised CK can be part of muscle involvement with lupus (myositis). But, it is not specific to lupus so it may or may not support a dx. It could mean that a muscle biopsy would give you more information. I also think it can be raised in heart problems caused various things so it's presence would not necessarily point to lupus. So I think it is a bit like ESR in that sense.

Have you talked to your doctor about your result ?

cheers

Raglet

 

[lazylegs]

Hi Kim,

The following site gives a little information in regards to what Raglet said about myositis and the CK test:

http://www.myositis.org/template/page.cfm?id=9

During my reading on other sites I found the numbers can very greatly. The range will change with age, gender, body type and test method. I am sure the doctor will explain the results during your upcoming appointment.

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[JoD]

CK levels can be tricky. Mine tend to be in the 300-400 level all the time. I am achy but Aleve seems to take care of it for the most part. predisone doesn't touch the ache. My son who has be recently diagnosed with FSH muscular dystrophy has very visible muscle atrophy in his arms but his CK level is normal. This was explained to me ( and hopefully I understood it correctly) higher CK levels ( and even in the 3-400 level the results aren't considered serious) mean there is active muscle issue going on. In my son's case, the CK was normal despite the atrophy. That meant the muscle destruction was inactive for the time being.
Joanne