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Does this sound like lupus?

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Posted 5/6/2011 1:57 AM (GMT -5)
I went to a rheumatologist last week who says I don't have lupus because I have a negative ANA. I went to the doctor for a rash on my elbow and hands that the doctor said was potentially cutaneous lupus. Because my SED rate and aNA were negative, they are saying that it isn't lupus. I have a lot of symptoms, including fever, hair loss, swollen glands, fatigue, joint pain, mild swelling of knuckles, unexplained rashes, raynauds, and livedo reticularis( extreme mottling of skin). I have also had two episodes of the rash on my hands and elbows. Despite my negative tests could I have lupus and does it sound at all plausible to you that I could have it. I want to know if pursuing the diagnosis is worthwhile, or if I am barking up the wrong tree.
Posted 5/7/2011 4:18 PM (GMT -5)
I am not a doctor, but you do have a lot of the symptoms of Lupus. The only thing I can suggest is, find a new rheumatologist. To my knowledge, Yes, you can have lupus or another AI disease w/o a positive ANA, but again I am not a doctor.
Posted 5/7/2011 4:29 PM (GMT -5)
No have your Throyid and for gout and check your symptoms and keep a diary of pain and symptoms so that you can get better ideas
Go to mayo clinic.com put stuff into the symptom checker. Maybe something will break. Good luck
Posted 5/7/2011 7:40 PM (GMT -5)
A positive ANA is only one of the 11 criteria that a lupus diagnosis is based on.  Go to www.lupus.org for complete information.  It IS possible to have lupus with a negative ANA.  I think a second opinion is called for if your rheumatologist has decided in spite of all of your other symptoms, that the negative ANA completely rules out Lupus, and/or isn't looking for another possible AI condition. 

Something is going on with you and it's important to pursue a diagnosis and treatment, regardless of what the condition turns out to be. 

Good luck to you!

Posted 5/9/2011 8:43 AM (GMT -5)
Although extremely rare when you are untreated(no meds), you can be ANA negative and have lupus. If there is enough evidence to suspect a lupus diagnosis and your ANA is negative, some doctors will run individual antibody tests. I think the ones that they would run are the anti-ro (SSA), RNP, and the antiphosolipid antibodies.
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