[ashli]

so Im ashleigh. im 19 and i live in lovely scotland!
im waiting on my results for the blood tests for lupus/arthritis etc. hopefully not too long to wait.

also, if i do get diagnosed with lupus, will i need to go to a specialist? is there one in scotland?

hope everythings going well for everyone else!
xxx

 

[cath]

Hi Ashli,

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you are feeling poorly, but hope that the doctors can work out why for you:blush:

Normally if they suspect an autoimmune problem, the first thing is that your GP will do an ANA. So this is where you are at so far. Then, if there is anything detected from the blood tests, you will be refered to a specialist. The normal specialist for diagnosing and treating lupus is a rheumatologist. However, a dermatologist can also be useful especially for skin issues like your urticaria. And sometimes an immunologist might be needed.

There is a lupus specialist in Scotland, in Glasgow. There is a thread about this at the moment. See:

http://www.thelupussite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73269

Your blood tests may take 2-3 weeks to come back. Have you got an appointment with your GP to discuss the results, or is he/she going to contact you when they are back? If you've got nothing organised yet, I'd aim to wait for 2 weeks then phone to see if they are back.

All the best,

X C X

 

[ashli]

hey cath. thanks for the info, i'll have a look at that thread.
my lastdoc was awful with the urticaria, so hopefully my new one will be better!
my doc said she'll phone me with the results, but if ive not heard in 2-3 weeks, ive to phone her.
im hoping the blood tests shouldnt take too long. im very nervous, and a worrier!
thanks for the help
xxx

 

[cath]

All the best with waiting. It hard not to worry, but try to distract yourself. The stress does you no good:wink2:.

My first lupus symptom was urticaria. My GP first thought it was autoimmune hepatitis, but my antibodies for that came back negative, and my ANA positive. Still, it took nearly 2 years after that first blood test before I got a definite diagnosis and treatment. The good news though is that I did survive that time, and the treatment has really helped.

It may be a bumpy ride for you too, but we'll help in any way we can:blush:

X C X

 

[LolaLola]

Welcome Ashleigh,
Now don't go frightening yourself silly. If you have Lupus we will all help you to get your head straight and learn how to cope.
Try to look after yourself a little while you wait for your results. Do you live with parents?
x Lola

 

[onetay]

ashleigh,
Welcome to the site. It is often best to see a rhuemy or dermy which ever is best for you but your general doctor will most likely refer you if it is needed.

There is a forum for finding a doctor in your area. Post the city and country anyone that is in that area will post a reply with doctors they have visited or know of in your area.

Hope you join us in the chat room sometime. Let us know how your tests turn out.
Tammy

 

[ashli]

Well, thanks again for the messages
Cath- how long did you have urticaria for before you were diagnosed?
i am trying to relax and push it out of my mind. im decorating my bedroom in the hopes that'll help!
Lola- yeah i do live with my parents, thank goodness.
My doc said that she'd wait till i get my results then refer me to a specialist if needed. i think the nearest one is in Glasgow. which is about 100 miles (2-3 hours) away. but its worth the travelling i guess!
my aunt is a nurse in the doctors surgery, so she's been letting me know how long the tests should take etc.
ill keep you informed of the developments!
its good to know you're all here to talk to
thanks very much
hope everythings good with you all?
xxx