Question 1

lily is testing for scleroderma. her antibodies came back negative, she had 100 mg of protein in her one-time urine sample. is that very high? sheis15

Accepted Answer

Doubt scleroderma: We'd rather that a 24 hour urine sample contain 150 mg or less of protein; you haven't given us the sample type. Several percent of people have protein in their urine just from standing up, and this needs to be ruled out before anybody gets all worried about her kidneys. Unlike lupus, scleroderma isn't a famous cause of proteinuria, but rather of renovascular hypertension. Stay proactive.

Question 2

i have lupus- diagnosed w/labs and symptoms.but had no antibodies positive- all were 0 except my ssa was 8 (0-40 is neg) & scl-70 was 3 (0-40 neg) should i be concerned about scleroderma? very scared!

Accepted Answer

History & physical: Scleroderma is worth worrying about only if you are having raynaud's. Labs in rheumatology are numerous but are only useful as guides when there's more of the picture than you've shared. A lasting relationship with a rheumatologist who you trust is much better than overstudying labs. Glad you're proactive.

Question 3

is crest syndrome with high centromere b antibody considered a rare disorder with rheumatologists having only a few such patients?  should i seek out a scleroderma specialty center for regular care?

Accepted Answer

It's your call: I'm glad that you got your diagnosis. It's your call whether to seek a sub-subspecialist. Often your best move is to become scientifically literate and read the real journal articles having to do with your disease. The key decision in your management will probably be whether, when and how to manage any pulmonary arterial hypertension. See if you have someone locally who you like & trust.

Question 4

i have had scl70 antibodies for scleroderma sine scleroderma. now i have severe shortness of breath, tightness in my chest, body aches and dizziness. ?

Accepted Answer

Find cause: If these are of acute onset, you are having a heart attack or a pulmonary thromboembolus until proved otherewise. Whether you have lung or vascular disease related to possible scleroderma can wait. Please get seen now.

Question 5

possibility of having scleroderma w/ negative scl-70 & negative anti-centromere antibodies?no raynauds,but bad gerd w/ ppi's not workin, i have lupus

Accepted Answer

History / physical: Scleroderma is diagnosed on history and physical exam. Without Raynaud's, it's unlikely. The labs aren't altogether sensitive. I'd address the GERD as a separate issue, and continue as you're probably already doing keeping a close eye on your lupus as a proactive patient. Best wishes.

Question 6

last year ive got mononucleosis and recently coronavirus. a blood test showed antinuclear antibodies, i have also chronic tonsillitis, my feet feel often cold and i have shortness of breath and tachycardia. what is more likely-lupus or scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

: A positive anti-nuclear antibody test can signal several types of disease, including both systemic lupus and scleroderma.  See a hematologist for definitive testing and an exam to make certain of the diagnosis.

Question 7

hiv antibody testing (meia) possible everywhere?

Accepted Answer

MEIA HIV ANTIBODY TE: Yes in us it is available in every lab.

Question 8

how accurate is hiv antibody testing after 3 years of exposure?

Accepted Answer

Very accurate: If performed properly, oraquick has shown consistently verifiable results.  You can always check with your doctor for additional testing (such as antigen or PCR) if you're really concerned.  But, all things being equal, the oraquick tests are as reliable as the antibody tests we use in the office.

Question 9

can results from hiv antibody testing be reliable before the 3 & 6 month mark? i was tested at 6weeks postexposure. also, can the 3months b reliable?

Accepted Answer

HIV testing: 95% of those tested at three months should be accurate. But to get 100% that would be six months.  If you have a high risk exposure this can be 100% tested at 21 days post exposure with the HIV RNA test.

Question 10

diagnosed with covid weeks ago with classic symptoms, but recent labcorp antibody testing showed negative. is this a correct result? am i not protected? my symptoms have greatly improved?

Accepted Answer

Agree with Dr. F: Take Covid-19 vaccine even if you develop antibodies from the infection.
Have a healthy diet, exercise 30 minutes/day, drink plenty of water daily so your urine is mostly colorless, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. For nutrition: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.
Get HPV and Covid vaccines. Wish you good health!

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Doctor answers about:

Scleroderma antibody testing

A member asked:

Lily is testing for scleroderma. her antibodies came back negative, she had 100 mg of protein in her one-time urine sample. is that very high? sheis15

A member asked:

I have lupus- diagnosed w/labs and symptoms.but had no antibodies positive- all were 0 except my ssa was 8 (0-40 is neg) & scl-70 was 3 (0-40 neg) should i be concerned about scleroderma? very scared!

A member asked:

Is crest syndrome with high centromere b antibody considered a rare disorder with rheumatologists having only a few such patients? should i seek out a scleroderma specialty center for regular care?

A member asked:

I have had scl70 antibodies for scleroderma sine scleroderma. now i have severe shortness of breath, tightness in my chest, body aches and dizziness. ?

A member asked:

Possibility of having scleroderma w/ negative scl-70 & negative anti-centromere antibodies?no raynauds,but bad gerd w/ ppi's not workin, i have lupus

A member asked:

Last year ive got mononucleosis and recently coronavirus. a blood test showed antinuclear antibodies, i have also chronic tonsillitis, my feet feel often cold and i have shortness of breath and tachycardia. what is more likely-lupus or scleroderma?

A member asked:

Hiv antibody testing (meia) possible everywhere?

A member asked:

How accurate is hiv antibody testing after 3 years of exposure?

A member asked:

Can results from hiv antibody testing be reliable before the 3 & 6 month mark? i was tested at 6weeks postexposure. also, can the 3months b reliable?

A member asked:

Diagnosed with covid weeks ago with classic symptoms, but recent labcorp antibody testing showed negative. is this a correct result? am i not protected? my symptoms have greatly improved?

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