Question 1

tested + for connective tissue disorder but doctor says no? who to believe?

Accepted Answer

Conn Tissue Dz: You may have had an ANA test, which may be positive.  Low positive--1:80 may not mean much.  The test is not specific for any connective tissue disease.  High positive--1:320, 1:640 is more likely to mean a connective tissue disease such as lupus.  Additional testing may be done (ena panel aka autoimmune profile) or the ANA can be repeated to see if it goes up.  Other symptoms should be checked.

Question 2

had punch biopsy done on rash in '09. results: "early lesion of connective tissue disorder." what f/up is suggested?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatologist: Talk to a rheumatologist to confirm your diagnosis. Blood tests might be needed. A minimum of a yearly follow up is needed provided no other symptoms are present.

Question 3

i've had a low-grade fever for 3 months with esr>100.  every test under the sun (infections, connective tissue disorders, cancer) has turned up negative.  is it ok to just ignore & wait and see now?

Accepted Answer

Not ignored: Are you on an estrogen preparation ? Estrogen can increase the ESR although not to the degree noted.  Since this points to inflammation, you shouldn't ignore it . Make sure that your doctor is keeping an eye on your condition. If your headaches are really severe, check for temporal arteritis as well.

Question 4

is it safe to take birth control pills if you have a connective tissue disorder?

Accepted Answer

No: It depends on which connective tissue disorder. I ask my patients with lupus to avoid them. The risk is that several ct disorders may be associated with an increased risk of blood clotting. Oral contraceptives increases this risk even more.

Question 5

do people with ms have a connective tissue disorder?

Accepted Answer

No: Ms is an autoimmune neurological condition.

Question 6

does having a pectus deformity mean you likely have a connective tissue disorder?

Accepted Answer

No: Despite some "pop" claims, they're seldom related. Pectus has no relationship to "connective tissue disorders" like lupus and scleroderma. The relationship to Ehlers-Danlos is weak. Best wishes.

Question 7

working out with weights ok in a connective tissue disorder?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on which disease you have and how much weight you are using. But in moderate amounts, and as long as it doesn't cause any excessive pain, yes, you can use weights for training.

Question 8

ana 1280 speckled what are all possible causes? is there any way it could not be a connective tissue disorder?

Accepted Answer

See details: There are too many possible causes to even begin to list them. The ANA must be evaluated in the context of the clinical symptoms. If your symptoms suggest a connective tissue disorder then the ANA is strong evidence confirming the diagnosis. If they do not, look for other causes. Have a rheumatologist evaluate the issue if you have not done so already.

Question 9

i've had a long history of medical probs. my dr. is bringing up possibility of a connective tissue disorder, possibly eds. what can i expect w this?

Accepted Answer

Testing: First your symptoms should be compatible with certain autoimmune diseases. Blood tests may be obtained to confirm the suspicion.   If the blood tests are positive or suggestive, a rheumatology consult may be in order On the other hand, what do you mean by having multiple medical problems at your age?  Sometimes these may just represent depression. Are you old enough to post questions here?

Question 10

i've been diagnosed with pots and a connective tissue disorder. the cardiologist said this could explain years of problems and pain. a geneticist is next.this has been so difficult. what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Need to seek causes: Pots & connective tissue disorder are syndromes that may partly explain your problems but the deeper question is what is the underlying cause of these. Western medicine doesn't know, but a holistic doctor can explore issues like adrenal fatigue, heavy metal toxicity, food allergies, nutrient deficiencies & chronic infections that may lead to your problems being cured rather than treating symptoms.

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Doctor answers about:

Can testing be done to see if you have a connective tissue disorder

A member asked:

Tested + for connective tissue disorder but doctor says no? who to believe?

A member asked:

Had punch biopsy done on rash in '09. results: "early lesion of connective tissue disorder." what f/up is suggested?

A member asked:

I've had a low-grade fever for 3 months with esr>100. every test under the sun (infections, connective tissue disorders, cancer) has turned up negative. is it ok to just ignore & wait and see now?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take birth control pills if you have a connective tissue disorder?

A member asked:

Do people with ms have a connective tissue disorder?

A member asked:

Does having a pectus deformity mean you likely have a connective tissue disorder?

A member asked:

Working out with weights ok in a connective tissue disorder?

A member asked:

Ana 1280 speckled what are all possible causes? is there any way it could not be a connective tissue disorder?

A member asked:

I've had a long history of medical probs. my dr. is bringing up possibility of a connective tissue disorder, possibly eds. what can i expect w this?

A member asked:

I've been diagnosed with pots and a connective tissue disorder. the cardiologist said this could explain years of problems and pain. a geneticist is next.this has been so difficult. what does it mean?

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