Question 1

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 2

what doctor diagnoses lupus?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

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 4

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.

Question 5

my doctor explained to me that he thinks i have lupus but it hasn't fully manifested yet. is that normal?

Accepted Answer

See below: You could have undifferentiated connective tissue which could explain the above statement that your doctor made.  However;  if you have not consulted with a rheumatologist, i would recommend that you do so.

Question 6

how does a doctor check for lupus?

Accepted Answer

History physical lab: The history and physical or very important and after that your physician will do laboratory studies to help clarify what you have lupus or not. The presence of an endocrine about is important. It is not diagnostic of lupus but it is very consistent. When that is found there are variety of other antibodies in the nucleus of the cell there also tested. The test you for a loop is your visitation may The history and physical or very important and after that your physician will do laboratory studies to help clarify what you have lupus or not. The presence of an about is important. It is not diagnostic of lupus but it is very consistent. When that is found there are variety of other antibodies in the nucleus of the cell there also tested. The test you for lupus your visitation may also have you see a rheumatologist.

Question 7

what doctor should a lupus patient see?

Accepted Answer

A rheumatologist: 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 8

need doctor's help! could lupus cause lymphodema?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: While any disease that causes impairment of lymphatic drainage can cause lymphedema, i could find no reports of this association.

Question 9

can people with lupus become doctors?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Why are doctors so hesitant to diagnose 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:

What do doctors do with discoid lupus?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

My doctor explained to me that he thinks i have lupus but it hasn't fully manifested yet. is that normal?

A member asked:

How does a doctor check for lupus?

A member asked:

What doctor should a lupus patient see?

A member asked:

Need doctor's help! could lupus cause lymphodema?

A member asked:

Can people with lupus become doctors?

A member asked:

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

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