[Clare.T]

"that if the sm test and Anti-DNA are negative than most likely you don't have Lupus"

Hi postie

That isn't true. Only about a third of people with lupus have positive anti-Sm and about one half have the anti -dsDNA antibodies

But if those antibodies are present they would confirm a diagnosis if there are enough other typical symptoms and signs. .

Diagnosis is essentially clinical backed up by blood tests.The "other symptoms" part is important. A high ANA an indeterminate rash and a low white blood cell count would not necessarily suffice for a lupus diagnosis. Even an ANA of 640 might not mean lupus.

Cheers
Clare

PS I started a new thread for your question which is preferable to tagging it on to an existing thread. To start a new thread go to the front page of the section and click on New Thread at top or bottom left of the page I also gave it a specific title

 

[Clare.T]

Sort of right yes, although there is a technical difference. I am sure that some doctors diagnose lupus (usually described as 'mild' ) when others are more particular and will only diagnose lupus when there is a lupus specific symptom. When there are no disease specifics at all suggesting a definitive diagnosis of any of the CTD's, that's when strictly speaking a UCTD diagnosis is appropriate
They are treated the same way anyway and it is much better to have a UCTD diagnosis from the insurance point of view. SLE is always viewed as a no- go by the insurance companies even if the person has the minimum of symptoms well controlled or even in remission and has been stable for years.

Try your utmost to get a dermatologist who has some experience of lupus and also to get the specimen examined by a board certified dermatopathologist who needs to be informed what he is looking for.
If the punch is taken from the face it should heal up nicely. It might also be taken from inner forearm from unaffected but exposed skin, and/or from unexposed unaffected skin such as the buttock.

By the way how is your fibro being treated ?

Good luck
Clare