Question 1

what do doctors do with discoid lupus?

Accepted Answer

Several Rx's!: Discoid in some patients is easy to manage and in others hard.  One thing the pt. Can do is avoid uv light.  I typically put pts on Hydroxychloroquine @ 6mg/kg of body weight, and use Methotrexate subcutaneous 20-25mg/wk. I occasional add ridaura.  Some patients do well with azathioprine.  Others do well with cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil). Topical steroids and oral steroids are always options.

Question 2

why are doctors so hesitant to diagnose lupus? i have several symptoms and positive sjogren's ss-a.

Accepted Answer

Prob u don't have it: Systemic lupus erythematosis is one of dozens of diseases grouped into the category of autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Many of these do not fit nicely into one, so that one can have a 'mixed' connective tissue disorder, or have an overlap of signs & sx. It may take years of following one of these unclear disorders to see a pattern. U probably have sjogren's disease, period. C rheumatologist.

Question 3

what doctor diagnoses lupus?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatogist: Lupus, SLE, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosis is mainly cared for by rheumatologists.

Question 4

can people with lupus become doctors?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: Just like anyone with a chronic illness can become a doctor.

Question 5

can i treat my lupus my self without going to the doctors.

Accepted Answer

Not recommended: Would recommends working with your doc to make sure your symptoms are well  controlled.

Question 6

what are the things that make doctors think a person could have lupus?

Accepted Answer

Multiorgan SLE: Typically, persons with systemic lupus erythematosis (sle) report joint swelling and pain. Others have a characteristic facial rash on both sides of their nose called a malar or "butterfly" rash.  Some persons develop sharp chest pains that worsen with breathing call pleuritic pains. Sle can efffect kidneys, liver, brain and many other organs.

Question 7

is there a quick , simple test i can have at the doctors for lupus  - having a few symptoms of it over the years ?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosing Lupus: There is no quick simple test for lupus.  There are a couple of blood tests that sometimes help make the diagnosis, but by themselves they are not that powerful.  Lupus is diagnosed by having several findings, including those on exam, from your medical history, and from blood testing or even a biopsy.  Even after that, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose.

Question 8

will i need to see a special doctor for my lupus?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Several doctors will likely help take care of a lupus patient:  a primary care doctor to coordinate referrals to specialists, and to take care of non-lupus issues; a rheumatologist to take care of general lupus problems; and then other specialists to help take care of problems with certain organ systems (such as nephrologists to treat kidney failure, or ophthalmologists to treat eye problems).

Question 9

why do some doctors say lupus sle is a terminal disease?

Accepted Answer

It can be: Systemic lupus can cause life-threatening diseases (kidney failure or strokes) and can increase risks of death from heart attacks, infections, etc. Lupus patients have 2.5 times higher risk of death vs healthy "controls" (bernatsky et al, 2006). So lupus is not a "terminal disease" for most, but it can be. Close monitoring from a doctor and healthy habits (eating, exercise, no smoking) are vital.

Question 10

should i go see a doctor if i am developing symptoms of lupus?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: If you believe you may have lupus you need to have lab work done to check for autoantibodies related to lupus and other connective tissue disorders. Depending on the symptoms and lab results you may need to consult a rheumatologist.

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Doctor answers about:

Lupus fake doctors note

A member asked:

What do doctors do with discoid lupus?

A member asked:

Why are doctors so hesitant to diagnose lupus? i have several symptoms and positive sjogren's ss-a.

A member asked:

What doctor diagnoses lupus?

A member asked:

Can people with lupus become doctors?

A member asked:

Can i treat my lupus my self without going to the doctors.

A member asked:

What are the things that make doctors think a person could have lupus?

A member asked:

Is there a quick , simple test i can have at the doctors for lupus - having a few symptoms of it over the years ?

A member asked:

Will i need to see a special doctor for my lupus?

A member asked:

Why do some doctors say lupus sle is a terminal disease?

A member asked:

Should i go see a doctor if i am developing symptoms of lupus?

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