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@windyshores

You have a positive ANA but you don't apparently have test results that make for a clear diagnosis. Many patients seeing rheumatolgy are monitored and watched but have to "wait" for a label. If I were you I would ask that some of those skin symptoms get biopsied.

The rheumatologist could give you Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) but there are (rare) risks. Other treatments would be steroids, anti-inflammatories, maybe immune suppressants. There are no magic answers in my experience and the treatments are rough.

Have you considered seeing a functional medicine/integrative medicine doctor or naturopath? They tend to look at the whole system and may have some suggestions. For instance, curcumin. Keep us posted!

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Replies to "You have a positive ANA but you don't apparently have test results that make for a..."

Thank you for this! I have wondered about a functional medicine doctor but haven’t known where to start. I would be interested in trying absolutely anything that might help!

I have a relatively low (but positive) ANA and some basic inflammation markers present. Other than that, bloodwork is pretty standard. So frustrating when you know you feel poorly but can’t figure out why.