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Systemic Lupus Erythematosis

Can you have ANA negative lupus?

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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.

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Why Primary Care is Essential for Autoimmune Patients

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Managing an autoimmune condition can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re frequently visiting your rheumatologist. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of your primary care doctor (PCP). Let’s explore how a good relationship with your PCP can benefit your heart health, coordinate your care, and keep you up-to-date on vaccinations.

The Importance of Cardiovascular Health

Heart health is a critical aspect to monitor when living with an autoimmune condition. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis increase the risk of cardiovascular disease due to chronic inflammation. Your PCP is essential in regularly checking your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight, ensuring these risk factors are controlled.

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Can Your Medications Cause Lupus?

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Drug-induced lupus, a form of lupus caused by certain medications, and not something you hear much about. It differs from the regular “systemic” lupus in multiple ways, including the expected symptoms, the positive blood tests and the prognosis. 

What is Drug-Induced Lupus?

We’ve all heard of lupus, but did you know there’s a version that can be triggered by medications? It is called drug-induced lupus. Unlike the more familiar systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is a chronic autoimmune disease, drug-induced lupus occurs when your body’s immune system reacts to a specific medication.

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Understanding Lupus Hand Symptoms

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When doctors talk about lupus, the focus often lands on the kidneys. However, there’s one part of the body almost every lupus patient will face issues with: the hands. As a rheumatologist, I can tell you, the hands reveal so much and when you know what to look out for, you can alert your doc and together develop a plan. 

Lupus Arthritis: Joint Pain and Beyond

It might not surprise you to know that joint pain is a part of lupus, as it is with most autoimmune conditions. More than 90% of lupus patients will experience some form of joint pain or arthritis. But when we hear “arthritis,” we tend to think of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), not lupus, and miss the nuances of lupus arthritis.

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Positive ANA Test: Lupus Symptoms & Next Steps

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If you’ve recently had an ANA (antinuclear antibody) test and are feeling a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone. A positive ANA result can stir up a lot of questions and worries, especially when it comes to conditions like lupus. 

What Does a Positive ANA Mean?

Just because your ANA test came back positive doesn’t automatically mean you have lupus. The ANA test is a tool that helps us understand more about your immune system, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

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