Elevated IgM Levels
At 30 years old, I have observed that my IgM levels have remained elevated for the past five years. My immunologist has informed me that there are no signs of monoclonal disease present. I inquired about the possibility of my condition resulting from polyclonal IgM and requested a liver examination, which is scheduled to take place. Additionally, I expressed concerns regarding other potential causes for the raised IgM, such as inflammation related to my ankylosing spondylitis or other autoimmune disorders, especially since I have been experiencing symptoms similar to lupus. Unfortunately, my inquiries regarding inflammation and autoimmune factors were not addressed by my doctor through MyChart. I am sharing my experience here to find individuals who have encountered similar situations with elevated IgM levels without any indication of monoclonal disease. If you have gone through this, what kind of further evaluations did you undergo and what were the results? I am not seeking medical guidance, but rather hoping to connect with others who can relate to this experience.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 1:50:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been navigating a complex situation with your elevated IgM levels and the symptoms you've been experiencing. This can be a challenging experience, especially when seeking clarity about autoimmune conditions.
Key Points:
- Elevated IgM levels can be related to various conditions, including infections, liver issues, and inflammatory or autoimmune processes.
- Other factors, such as your existing ankylosing spondylitis, may contribute to fluctuations in IgM levels.
Understanding IgM Levels: Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is an antibody that plays a crucial role in your immune response. Elevated IgM can suggest that your body is responding to something, like an infection or inflammation. Since your immunologist ruled out monoclonal disease, investigating causes associated with polyclonal IgM - like autoimmune disorders - is a reasonable direction.
Next Steps:
-
Follow Up on Liver Examination: It's excellent that you have a liver examination scheduled. Ensure to discuss any specific concerns with your doctor, such as how liver function might relate to IgM levels.
-
Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur and any associated triggers. This will be a helpful tool for future discussions with your healthcare provider.
-
Dive Deep into Autoimmune Symptoms: Since you mentioned symptoms similar to lupus, consider investigating these further. You might explore tests specific for autoimmune conditions such as antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests or anti-dsDNA antibodies if advised by a healthcare provider.
-
Seek a Second Opinion: If your concerns regarding inflammation and autoimmune factors remain unaddressed, consider seeking a second opinion from another specialist. A rheumatologist, experienced in autoimmune disorders, could provide additional insights.
-
Connect with Supportive Communities: Engage with support groups or online forums for individuals with similar experiences. Sharing and connecting can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Your experience and the questions you have are important, and connecting with others can provide comfort and new perspectives. Remember to prioritize your health and stay proactive in managing your conditions!
Related Questions
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!