Tests, Tests and more tests!

[KSA]

Ok today I had my appointment with my Rheumatologist and he wants to run another ANA panel. I have been high on all of my ANA tests and one time borderline. I am not really into researching too much on this Lupus stuff as I just do not care if I have it or not. I pretty much said that to the Dr. today. I told him not to be rude but if I keep testing positive and I am showing all the symptoms of Lupus then why do I have to keep getting tested. Does it matter if I get a firm diagnosis of Lupus anyways. He said well usually they treat it with pain meds and different medications dependent on what kind of flare up it is. Well since I can not take meds how would they treat me for it. He actually said I had a very valid point. WOW a doc said I was right can you believe that?
My sister's friend had to go years before they would give her a firm diagnosis of Lupus and she said it costs her tons of money for all the blood tests and in the end it is still a un cureable disease and treated my the individual symptoms. My questions is should I go thru all of that and for what?
I also have it in the back of my mind that if they diagnose me with Lupus and I already have Endo and have a variety of health issures so why add it to my medical records. If I ever loose my job and try to get insured some where else I will never get anyone to cover me with all these pre existing conditions!
Any thoughts girls?

[Karen]

Well, I can certainly see why you'd be frustrated, and why you're sick of tests! And, yes, if it is indeed Lupus, and since you can't take meds, then what? But, on the other hand, what if it's NOT lupus? Or what if you have lupus AND something else that has been undetected so far? Wouldn't it be helpful for your medical history to know that, so if you have further complications down the road, you'll know what else is complicating things? Wouldn't it be nice if they could rule out all sorts of other things, too, for peace of mind and to rule out other things that could complicate your situation? And I certainly don't know much about lupus at all, but perhaps there are some non-traditional methods to help manage the symptoms that you could discover. I know sometimes ignorance is bliss, and it sucks when they can say with certainty 'you have this disease', but once you have a firm diagnosis, you then have an opportunity to take control of your health in a way that's best for you.

So, in my opinion, suck it up and let 'em run their tests for now!

[KSA]

Karen you are right I was having a bad day yesterday. I am sick of being told I am sick. LOL He is running a few other tests too so I am going to go and get the blood work done. I need to know what is going on with all the non Endo issues and try to control those for the best quality of life. It is very frustrating and I am accumlating a ton of medical bills every week. I wish it could just be a easy yes you have this or no you don't! Thanks for putting it in perspective for me:)