When you’re living with lupus, it can feel like every symptom and test is part of the same story. But what happens when new clues emerge, pointing toward a different diagnosis like Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder (MCTD)? Let’s break down the differences, key markers, and why it all matters for your care.
[Read more…] about Understanding the Lupus and MCTD ConnectionLupus
How CAR-T Could Transform Lupus
Autoimmunity 101: Why Does Lupus Happen?
Lupus is one of the most complex autoimmune diseases, but at its core, it all starts with the immune system turning on itself. Normally, your immune system is like a factory with a top-notch quality control system. Regulatory cells make sure the immune “robots” attacking bacteria and viruses don’t go rogue and start targeting your healthy tissues.
[Read more…] about How CAR-T Could Transform LupusLupus Flare Survival ToolKit
Lupus flares can feel like a storm you didn’t see coming—pain, fatigue, and inflammation hitting all at once. If you live with lupus, you know flares are part of the journey, but that doesn’t mean you have to face them unprepared. Here’s your guide to building a lupus flare toolkit so you can manage symptoms with confidence and care.
[Read more…] about Lupus Flare Survival ToolKitRetesting the ANA or Rheumatoid Factor
Blood tests like the ANA (antinuclear antibody) and rheumatoid factor (RF) are often the first steps when a doctor suspects an autoimmune condition like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. But what happens when these tests come back negative, and your symptoms persist? Or when they’re positive but don’t seem to tell the full story? Let’s break down when retesting might make sense and how these tests fit into the bigger picture of autoimmune disease management.
[Read more…] about Retesting the ANA or Rheumatoid FactorCan you have ANA negative lupus?
Getting an autoimmune diagnosis like lupus is a life-changing event. But what we don’t talk about enough is how life-changing the journey to that diagnosis can be. For many, it’s a rollercoaster of confusing symptoms, endless doctor visits, and—often—conflicting test results. One of the most common points of confusion? The ANA test, its results, and what they actually mean when you’re trying to figure out if you have lupus.
Let’s dive into the complexities of the ANA test, what it means for lupus, and why focusing on your symptoms might be the key to getting the answers you need.
[Read more…] about Can you have ANA negative lupus?