Lupus Q & A

I have had a ANA of about 1:80 for years- the only other symptom I have is mild joint pain in my knees, and shoulders (only). I am a white male 42 years. My ESR has always been normal as has been my other blood test (albumin etc). What could cause a ANA that high and joint pain? I have never had an unexplained fever either.

I have lupus and am currently in my 15th week of pregnancy. I have a superficial blood clot in my arm, and am allergic to aspirin. What is the best treatment option to help with the blood clot, and more importantly, to prevent further complications for the baby (i.e. placental clots, slow growth, etc.)

My ANA test was 1:180 or positive. I do not have any symptoms. My blood test for arthritis was negative. I have a cousin with lupus, and a parent with temporal arteritis. My question is: should I see a rheumatologist to investigate this further? My primary care doctor said not to worry about the test results.

I had posted this question earlier, however, I cannot find it posted on the forum. Possibly I did it incorrectly or this forum is not active. Anyways, here goes: My 21-yr old son had went to the doctor with a concern of his left index finger going cold and numb. After ultrasound and arteriogram, it was discovered he has one vessel instead of two in that finger. He was than referred to a hematologist who did a thorough workup which sent him to a GI specialist with a diagnosis Gilbert’s syndrome because of an elevated bilirubin. The GI also found an enlarged spleen. He also had a Positive ANA which brought him to a rheumatologist. After repeated blood work, he feels he has enough to diagnose him with lupus. He notes an antiphospholipid antibody, positive ANA, low platelet (but not critical) Non-Smiths test that alternated positive, negative and a DNA test. He originally stated he probably has an antiphospholipid problem that is sometimes diagnosed with lupus, but since he had no symptoms, can be a condition in itself. He is currently on an aspirin a day for this. His theory about the finger was he may have traumatized it being a goalkeeper in soccer and because he has thicker blood, it may have clotted the vessel. I had attempted to seek a second opinion to a teaching hospital, but my insurance (First Priority HMO) has denied it; since, their are rheumatologists in my Scranton Area. I am very frustrated and need some guidance on this. Can this be a correct diagnosis without symptoms? The doctor tells my son to stay out of the sun because it can cause a flareup, but he has spent 2 summers in the direct sun 8-10 hours a day doing landscaping, with no flareups or symptoms, rashes, etc? Does this make sense? I would appreciate any advise in what direction I should take with this problem. A Mom from PA

I am a bit frustrated with my “worrisome self” over my health. I have a positive DX for DLE (skin issues, 1:80 ANA, low WBC). I sometimes worry that SLE will soon strike. What would you suggest for a patient like myself. Everytime some strange bug or illness comes my way I trouble myself with the question “Is this Lupus-SLE or is this simple a bug or simply signs of getting older.(aches / pains / fatigue / etc.) Without rushing to my Doctor….what rule of thumb would you suggest in differentiating what’s Lupus and what’s not.

I was pregnant last year and had a miscarriage. My husband and I have been trying to become pregnant for the last two or three months but haven’t been successful. My question is can my lupus prevent me from getting pregnant and can it prevent me from ever becoming pregnant? Also, could my lupus have caused my miscarriage?