Just got back from my new rheumy appointment. Her first words were "It's Lupus, isn't it?" I was a bit shocked as I was expecting her to ask all the relevant questions about my previous history. I must have spluttered something as she said "well, it could be" and then proceeded to ask questions about my symptoms.
I was still in a bit of a state as I forgot to mention nose sores, lumps on my scalp, fatigue (how could I forget the fatigue.....), brain fog (that's why I forgot). I even forgot my list of history/symptoms.
She then sent me for an armful of blood tests (lupus panel, ENA, ACL, LA, RF, etc., etc.) and putting "?lupus" on the instructions. She also sent me for xrays of my hands and feet (not had that done before at my old hospital). I blagged a look at my xrays (cited medical interest and my sister being a superintendant radiographer....). I'm no radiologist but they looked normal to me (except for the calcaneal spurs on my heels - no surprise). Isn't it indicative of lupus that if you have joint inflammation you don't have any joint erosion, like in RA or OA? Sure I read somewhere that was the case.
So, no meds yet. I'm going to see my GP on Friday so she might have received a letter from the rheumy by then so we can discuss. Fortunately (or unfortunately for the blood tests) I'm in a little remission at the moment (only a bit of muscle soreness) so I'm not expecting much to show up on the bloods (though do know that you don't have to be in a flare to have something showing.
On the whole I felt confidence in her, probably as much as the last one (he put ?lupus in my notes just before we left Worcestershire).
Can I call myself officially "lupie" now? My husband has called me "loopy" for many years :hehe: .
Hope you are all doing well today. I'm still a bit confuddled but then, aren't I always.......? :wink2:
Love Judi xx