I refused to start the Cymbalta my primary prescribed for me for what she thought was Fibro. I was getting the same brush off you are.

I never filled my script, instead I explained I wanted to wait for the green light from my new rheumatologist before starting anything new. Sure enough the rheumatologist started me on Plaquenil and didn’t want me on the Cymbalta

Have you seen the accepted criteria for Lupus Diagnosis? There are 11 specific symptoms used to dx. Doctors need to see 4 or moee of these symptoms to diagnose. Keep in mind these symptoms DO NOT have to happen simultaneously. You just need to have a medical history confirming them

So far you have several of these criteria

*ANA
*daDNA
*Joint pain
*Pleurisy

That is ALREADY the 4 criteria needed to confirm diagnosis so please don’t doubt yourself!

Here is the whole list. It’s from memory so feel free to google and confirm

*Butterfly rash

*Photosensitivity: could mean a vascular rash like liverdo reticularis, the flare of a butterfly rash or worsening of other symptoms (which it sounds you have!)

*Low red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets
*Protien in urine or confirmed kidney dysfunction
*Discoid rashes
*Seizures
*Mouth or nose sores, which are a particular kind of canker-like sore
*Pluerisy of lungs or heart
*ANA
*dsDNA or other Lupus specific antibodies

The dsDNA basically means that they have confirmed the presence of antibodies that attacks your own cells and that confirms an autoimmune problem where you are damaging your own body. DsDNA is not found in the general population, especially at higher numbers. In fact, some doctors only need to see the dsDNA test positive ONCE to diagnose Lupus. Why? Because the body should never be making these specific antibodies that attack your cells. Once the evidence of that is found it is just a confirmed fact your immune system is attacking you. I’m short: Any doctor who dismisses this is an idiot.

ANA *can* show up in healthy people or the elderly, but strong positive ANAs are rarely EVER seen in healthy people. Once you get up to 160 or 320 you’re not finding it in normal healthy people. You’ve had 320 and 640?!? That doesn’t just happen because you’re having an off day or are getting over a cold!

Several autoimmune diseases are treated the same way...with Plaquenil that helps suppress the immune system. Even if your doctor doesn’t feel comfortable officially diagnosing you with Lupus there is undeniable evidence your immune system is damaging you and Plaquenil should be prescribed.

I would call the office of the new doctor that you are waiting on and be asked to get on a waiting list if anyone would cancel. Sometimes even calling every day to see if there is a cancelation may cause the secretary/scheduler to ask one of the doctors to see you.

It is best to get started as early as possible with treatment once a flare is occurring. It is worth a try.

It is great that you are keeping a log. I have added you to my team to be a support if you would need it.

And not every rheumatologist knows about Lupus! The first one I saw was much more experienced in RA and didn’t care about anything but lab results. Even worse, he didn’t lconskdering anything but textbook lab results. No one is textbook

That ANA and dsDNA should be a big concern. Considering her positive result if lupus specific antibodies, the pain and internal organs showing signs of involvement she needs to run to a different doctor imo!

Wishing you the best of luck Desertgirl!! 😡

Lupus is not exactly easy to diagnose.. Yes you blood work is a very important part of them figuring it out.. Is your Dr from a lupus center? You have to find on that specializes in lupus.. They are way more informed on the disease! Good luck and stay strong!

I agree