@diverdown1 Perhaps a T-Cell blood work to evaluate the current function of what medical professionals call the complement system. It has a key role in immune responses, infections, or autoimmune diseases. It's a common test and cost if out of pocket is about $250; it is covered by insurance. Have a discussion about specifically C3 and C4 which are typically quantified as key components of the complement system.

Quantification of C3 and C4 helps to:
• Detect causes of disorders in kidney tissue, joints, connective tissue, glomerulonephritis, and vasculitis.
• Identify causes of immunodeficiency related to recurrent infections.

There are doctors who understand LC is real. Some continue to roll their eyes when patients of LC ask detailed and specific questions about tests that can isolate LC. I've been referred to as Dr Goggle in many medical appointments; but that served to wade through the disinterested doctors in my efforts to find the special ones that stay current in diseases. My need to get back to a full healthy existence is more powerful that the 'tsk, tsk' brush off! So keep focused and stay the course to recovery is my mantra.

Here are the levels to compare C4 results:

Normal C4 Levels: 20–50 mg/dl
- Increased C4 levels are seen in: cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis
- Decreased C4 levels indicate immune complex-related diseases. These are most commonly found in: Active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid vasculitis (but not uncomplicated rheumatoid arthritis, where C4 levels are usually normal), chronic active hepatitis, congenital C4 deficiency, hereditary angioedema

Here are the levels to compare for Normal C3 Levels: 90–180 mg/dl
- Values up to twice the upper limit may be observed during acute phases.
- Increased C3 levels are found in: Acute rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer
- Decreased C3 levels are seen in: SLE, glomerulonephritis, septicemia.
- Low C3 levels combined with low C4 levels suggest activation of the classical complement pathway, commonly found in active SLE.
(SLE) is an autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, and it can affect organs like the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and others.
- Low C3 levels with normal C4 levels suggest activation of the alternative pathway, indicating infectious diseases or renal factor activity. Although C3 levels remain low in some long-term SLE patients, this does not necessarily indicate active disease. A sudden decrease in C3 levels often signals disease exacerbation and an increased risk of kidney damage.