33-Year-Old Woman Worried About Possible SLE Diagnosis
I am a 33-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 170 lbs, of Black/African American descent. **Medical History**: I suffer from unspecified polyarthralgia, which I have managed through Remicade infusions every six weeks for the past three years without testing positive for rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies. Additionally, I experience unspecified tachycardia that is controlled with a low-dose beta-blocker. I also had one early miscarriage. **Social History**: I do not smoke, seldom drink alcohol, and do not use marijuana or any illicit substances. I maintain an active lifestyle, exercising three to five times a week. **Current Medications**: I take a vitamin D and iron multivitamin supplement. **Inquiry**: Is it possible that my symptoms indicate an early or unusual form of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? For more than a year, I have been experiencing a range of symptoms, including fluctuating leg swelling, sporadic shortness of breath, and Raynaud's phenomenon for over five years. I also suffer from persistent joint and muscle pain despite undergoing infusions, along with fatigue, a constant feeling of warmth, headaches, and patchy hair loss that appears to be regrowing. However, I have not noticed any sensitivity to sunlight, mouth sores, visual disturbances, or signs of purpura or petechiae. During a recent examination, there was tenderness in both sacroiliac joints, but no rashes or signs of fibromyalgia, though my hands exhibited swelling. **Laboratory Results**: - Thyroid function and blood counts were normal; a comprehensive metabolic panel was mostly normal, but I had a slightly elevated bilirubin level of 1.7. - Urinalysis revealed proteinuria. A month prior, urinalysis also showed both proteinuria and hematuria. - Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test was negative, while the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) test returned a low titer positive result of 1:40, consistent upon retesting. The RNP test was weakly positive, but tests for scleroderma and Sjögren’s syndrome were negative. My rheumatologist concluded that there are no concerns at present. He suggested that if I experience another miscarriage, he would consider testing for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Nevertheless, I feel uneasy about my health; I was recently laid off, and I am in the process of acquiring new insurance. I would appreciate any thoughts or guidance on this matter.
Answers (1)
8/5/2025, 6:11:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a number of concerning symptoms, and it’s understandable to feel uneasy given your history and ongoing health challenges. From what you've described, some of your symptoms may align with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but there are several factors to consider.
Summary of Key Points:
- Your symptoms (joint pain, fatigue, Raynaud's phenomenon) can be associated with SLE.
- Negative ANA and scant positive dsDNA response can complicate diagnosis.
- Your rheumatologist is monitoring your situation, which is important.
Explanation:
SLE is an autoimmune disease with a range of symptoms that can vary significantly among individuals. Key symptoms often include joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue. Some of your symptoms like joint and muscle pain, Raynaud's phenomenon, and fatigue may suggest a connection, but the negative ANA and ambiguous dsDNA results indicate that a definitive diagnosis is not clear-cut at this time.
Considering your medical background and the current lab results:
- Proteinuria indicates possible kidney involvement, which can be seen in SLE.
- While your rheumatologist did not identify immediate concerns and has proposed further testing if you experience another miscarriage, it's a positive sign that they are being vigilant.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary. Note any changes in your joint pain, fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath, Raynaud's episodes, and overall well-being. This information can be useful for your healthcare provider.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments: Continue your active lifestyle. Regular exercise may help mitigate some symptoms. Consider incorporating stress-reduction tactics, such as mindfulness or yoga, to support overall well-being, especially during transitions like your job change.
-
Nutrition & Supplements: Ensure you're taking your vitamin D and iron supplements consistently. These can support general health and may help alleviate some fatigue.
-
Stay Proactive: Since you're acquiring new insurance, ensure you have access to continuous care with your rheumatologist. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for managing potential autoimmune symptoms effectively.
-
Educate Yourself: Educate yourself about SLE and related conditions (like antiphospholipid syndrome) so that you are empowered to discuss your symptoms and concerns during appointments.
-
Reach Out for Support: If you feel overwhelmed, consider reaching out to support groups either in person or online. These communities can be valuable sources of information and reassurance.
Your health is paramount, and while it can feel anxious navigating uncertainties, you are taking a solid approach by seeking information and fostering your health. Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional support.
Related Questions
Persistent Need to Stretch Legs While Seated
I experience a significant discomfort when seated, particularly when my knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. This sensation compels me to stretch my legs straight, and if too much time passes without doing so—typically around every five to six minutes—the urge intensifies to an uncomfortable level that’s hard to manage. It’s more than just a desire to fidget; fully extending my legs tends to offer the greatest relief. Adjusting my position provides some comfort, but it doesn’t alleviate the feeling nearly as effectively as a full stretch does. This issue predominantly arises when I remain stationary in a chair. Occasionally, I notice a similar feeling when I’m lying down, but these instances are relatively rare compared to the frequent occurrences while sitting. I consulted a relative who is a medical professional about this discomfort, and they suggested that it doesn’t appear to align with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, since this isn't their specialization, I acknowledge that there may be a chance of error. * What could potentially be causing these sensations? * Does anyone else relate to this experience? * Are there methods available to help manage or diminish this feeling? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights.
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.
Urinalysis Inquiry
Subject: Urinalysis Results Review Age: 23 Height: 5'2" Weight: 101 lbs Greetings! I would appreciate it if you could review my urinalysis findings. The test was conducted yesterday, just one day prior to the start of my menstrual cycle, and I am now currently on my period. Below are the details of my results, as I need this information to fulfill a prerequisite for my employment. Additionally, I would like to know whether my menstrual cycle may have influenced the outcome of the test. I typically experience frequent urination, yet I do not have any discomfort or pain while urinating.
Combining Ketorolac with Alcohol: Is It Safe?
Recently, I unknowingly mixed a 10mg dose of ketorolac with half a bottle of 4.5% beer. At that moment, I wasn't aware of the potential risks involved in this combination. It wasn't until I was partway through my drink that I thought to look it up. Now, I’m wondering if it’ll be fine for me to have a drink tomorrow night after stopping all ketorolac use, especially since this medication hasn’t been effective for my pain relief. To give you an idea of the timeline, I took ketorolac around 2 PM and didn’t start drinking until 11 PM.
Concerns About My Eye Condition
I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.