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DiscussionDr suspects lymphoma but labs aren't abnormal enough yet
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Sep 2 10:26am | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I don't think it does. All the rheumatologist says is I'm in the beginning stages of..."
To be sure, autoimmune diseases can be the cause of so many unique symptoms and often difficult to diagnose. And of course some symptoms can overlap with other diseases.
But it’s understandable to feel with your 2 abnormal biopsies and other symtoms that maybe it’s not autoimmune related and especially considering how awful you feel, it’s darned hard to wait around for answers!
My gut reaction would be to seek a second opinion and I think you’re feeling it too. You know your body better than anyone and have to be an advocate for yourself!
One thing I can suggest that might at least help your very dry eyes. Systane nightime eye lubricant. It’s an over the counter med. This is a small tube for about $12-$15. Lasts a good month.
To use it, pull out your lower lid and squeeze a little 1/4 inch strip of this ointment in the lid. Then blink so that it melts over your eye. You’ll want to put this in the last thing before you go to bed and plan to sleep. It will blur your sight. (But rapid blinking will clear it!) It’s important to use this consistently nightly. It helped me so much I no longer need drops during the day! Worth a try.
I really hope you get a 2nd opinion either with a primary doctor or oncology/hematologist. Another option would be to see a Functional medicine doctor who uses specialized training and techniques to find the root causes of chronic illnesses. But whoever you choose, I think you’ll feel less frustrated if you can at least feel like you’re moving forward!
A positive ANA isn’t limited to auto immune diseases. It can also be a response to infections, Cancer Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, medications and fibromyalgia.
What other blood work have you had besides checking for lupus and Sjogrens? Have you had tests to check your thyroid?