Have auto immune dysfunction but was not told anything else, what now?

Did a Rheumatologist diagnose you with this? If not, please go see one for accurate bloodwork and diagnosis.

Blessings & Prayers.....

@parkerr
What type of doctor did you see and what testing/bloodwork did they do? What are your current symptoms?

Did you review all of your test results in detail? What shows up as abnormal?

No one told me, I found out when I received an a message from a rheumatologist wanting me to be in a clinical study. I tried getting answers from her, but had no luck.

there are usually certain criteria a study is looking for in a participant to be to picked for a study - ie the participant is between X and Y age, has been diagnosed with a specific disease, has/has not taken a certain class of drugs, etc.

How did the rheumatologist connect with you and how did they arrive at that conclusion - was blood work submitted or a work-up done for this study?

The University or hospital or physician should have registered the clinical trial with details somewhere online at https://clinicaltrials.gov or locally.
While you’re waiting to see a rheumatologist, that’s a place to look for criteria @pm56 mentioned. Who knows, the study may have a ‘healthier control cohort’ and that’s why you were invited.

Which autoimmune disease were you diagnosed with? I have Hashimoto’s with Hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease and I have eliminated eating gluten, dairy and soy and pretty much healed myself. I also, as I mentioned, have Hypothyroidism and I take 75 mcg of Synthroid for that. I’m surprised your doctor sent you off without explaining what to do for your issue. I would ask your doctor to explain what’s next.

If I were coming up against the road blocks you are, here is what I would do: Get your own rheumatolagist and tell him (or her) to do an exploritory panel, ANA, Sjogren's antibodies, sed rate, CRP and any symptoms. And see what they come up with. May be no big deal, best to know.

Thank you so much! Will definitely do that!

Ask your PCP to run the ANA panel, SED rate, etc., note physical symptoms in his notes and refer you to a Rheumatologist. These days, they are in demand, and keep very busy. Begin eating clean, non-processed foods, avoid sugar (aspartame, too), moderate potatoes/tomatoes, whole wheat, etc. Keep up a daily twenty minute walk. The first visit to the Rheumy was less about advice than informing me what I had and giving me a brochure. There are good FB groups that can also share common issues.