How is lupus diagnosed?

Posted by dmmeyers62 @dmmeyers62, 3 days ago

I have a rash on my arms and face so Dermatologist took biopsy. Have burning and iching under my skin. Also kidney stones and hemorrhages every few months. In between inflammation have to put ice on and am taking tyanol for fevers. Dermatologist says it's internal. I have several autommune disease ( unresponsive celiac disease for one) He said need to take extensive blood tests next. Could anyone tell me what tests they had to get their diagnosis?

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 3 days ago

Hello @dmmeyers62, Here's some information from Mayo Clinic on diagnosing Lupus.

"Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Signs and symptoms of lupus may change over time and overlap with those of many other disorders.
No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and physical examination findings leads to the diagnosis."
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790

You might also find it helpful to scan through the list of discussions on Lupus - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=lupus

annewoodmayo | @annewoodmayo | 2 days ago

Hi, dmmeyers,
Sorry to hear about your issues.
The post from John really covers the topic thoroughly. I would add only that your doctor may want some scans and other tests that may seem unnecessary to you, but diagnosing can be tricky, so the doctors order other tests so that they can rule out other diseases.
I think the most important thing is to find a doctor that you trust and then follow their advice to the letter. Stick with the one doctor for awhile or for forever, unless you have a really good reason to change. This can be really hard.
I like to ask the nurses for the names of doctors. LOL- I ask them when nobody else is around so that they feel comfortable telling the truth.
This site is a really good place for advice/suggestions/perspectives/ideas.
Best of luck to you. Hope you get some relief!

yesibeleive | @yesibeleive | 1 day ago

Agree with all of the above. Rheumatologist diagnose and monitor Lupus. It is much of a process of elimination unless, of course, you have the "butterfly rash".