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First appointment with Rheumatology tomorrow for an official diagnosis. What should I bring?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Brewer, ME

ANA positive. Abnormal labs, example-elevated platelet count, low crcl, fluctuating anion, and red blood cells. Have had fusion last year due to severe anemia, head pain, face tingling, malar rash (not severe), low grade fever (100.2‐101.9), bilateral arms and leg weakness, numbness, tingling and pain, edema, elevated blood pressure, fatigue, dizziness/ fluttering feeling with eye movement. Just feeling unwell in general. Some days feel like I'm going crazy.

April 5
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MyLupusTeam

What should you bring to your first rheumatology appointment for an official lupus diagnosis?

Great preparation for tomorrow! Bring all your recent lab results, especially your positive ANA test and those abnormal findings (elevated platelets, low creatinine clearance, red blood cell issues). Your rheumatologist will want to Show Full Answer

What should you bring to your first rheumatology appointment for an official lupus diagnosis?

Great preparation for tomorrow! Bring all your recent lab results, especially your positive ANA test and those abnormal findings (elevated platelets, low creatinine clearance, red blood cell issues). Your rheumatologist will want to see the actual numbers and trends over time.

Also bring:
* Complete list of all your symptoms with dates when they started
* Photos of your malar rash if you have them (even if not severe)
* Records from your blood transfusion last year
* List of all current medications and supplements
* Any previous medical records related to your symptoms
* Blood pressure readings if you've been tracking them at home

Your rheumatologist will likely order additional tests beyond the ANA to confirm diagnosis. These may include anti-dsDNA antibodies, complement levels (C3 and C4), complete blood count, kidney function tests, and urinalysis to check for protein or blood in urine.

The combination of your positive ANA, multiple symptoms (malar rash, low-grade fevers, fatigue, anemia, possible kidney involvement), and abnormal labs will help your rheumatologist see the full picture. Don't worry about feeling like you're "going crazy" - these symptoms are real and your doctor needs to hear about all of them.

Write down your questions beforehand so you don't forget them during the appointment!

April 5

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