Hi Cindy!
I'm sorry to hear that you have been unwell. It can certainly be frustrating to know there is something wrong, but the doctors can't figure it out.
You do have some symptoms that could fit with an autoimmune disease. Have you been tested for antinuclear antibodies (ANA)? It is considered a screening test for autoimmune diseases, and is often the first lab test done when one is suspected. It is just an indicator that something could be wrong. It isn't specific for any one disease, so the doctors would need to do some further tests if it came back positive.
Take a look at the symptoms list and diagnostic criteria on The Lupus Site link at the top left of this page.
I suggest you go back to the doctor to discuss your continuing symptoms and ask for additional investigation.
Terri
I'm sorry to hear that you have been unwell. It can certainly be frustrating to know there is something wrong, but the doctors can't figure it out.
You do have some symptoms that could fit with an autoimmune disease. Have you been tested for antinuclear antibodies (ANA)? It is considered a screening test for autoimmune diseases, and is often the first lab test done when one is suspected. It is just an indicator that something could be wrong. It isn't specific for any one disease, so the doctors would need to do some further tests if it came back positive.
Take a look at the symptoms list and diagnostic criteria on The Lupus Site link at the top left of this page.
I suggest you go back to the doctor to discuss your continuing symptoms and ask for additional investigation.
Terri
