autoimmune testing

[aimeewebb]

Hello everyone! I am going to the dr's this week and starting the testing for autoimmune disorders...I was wandering what the tests were like...what to expect really? any info would be appreciated

[en bloc]

Hello everyone! I am going to the dr's this week and starting the testing for autoimmune disorders...I was wandering what the tests were like...what to expect really? any info would be appreciated

I saw your other post that you've already been diagnosed with "autoimmune" and starting testing to find out which one. How do you know you have an autoimmune disease if they haven't started the testing yet?

What are your symptoms and what is the autoimmune disease they are thinking you have?

Testing usually starts with blood work...lots of it. But again they usually head in a specific direction based upon your symptoms. Like Sjogren's if you have dry mouth, eyes, etc, Lupus if you have the malar rash and more organ involvement, and RA if you have severe joint problems.

Are you seeing a rheumatologist for this testing?

[Teatime]

I saw your other post that you've already been diagnosed with "autoimmune" and starting testing to find out which one. How do you know you have an autoimmune disease if they haven't started the testing yet?

What are your symptoms and what is the autoimmune disease they are thinking you have?

Testing usually starts with blood work...lots of it. But again they usually head in a specific direction based upon your symptoms. Like Sjogren's if you have dry mouth, eyes, etc, Lupus if you have the malar rash and more organ involvement, and RA if you have severe joint problems.

Are you seeing a rheumatologist for this testing?

I totally agree with this.

I responded on the other post.

[tonydewitt]

Aimee,

Autoimmune disorders can be caused by a virus callled HTLV, so make sure that you get tested for that (it's a blood test). Since someone mentioned Sjogren's, that also can be a symptom of HTLV.

Best wishes.