Am I being safe by getting tested for Lupus every year or am I over reacting?

1. 60

   fallenpixie09posted 13 years ago

   Am I being safe by getting tested for Lupus every year or am I over reacting?
   
   Lupus runs on my biological father's side of the family and in the four previous generation, at least one person tested positive for it.

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2. 61

   maverickserpposted 13 years ago

   If your family have history of it, in my opinion it's safe. It's better to have prevention than cure.
   
   That way, you are always check and ensure you don't have any symptoms of it.

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3. 61

   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   I would think that some kind of genetic testing could show if you have the gene or not and you would not have to be tested yearly.

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4. 62

   That's the wayposted 13 years ago

   Hmmm... Lupus is very hard to diagnose sometimes. You are not over reacting, but keep in mind that antibodies tests are not always reliable sign of presence or absence of disease. The best thing you can do is to take advice from your doctor and to inform about lupus. I hope that helped

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5. 59

   Jarnposted 13 years ago

   Don't worry, it's never Lupus. -Dr. Gregory House.
   
   But seriously, a simple ANA titer should give you an idea of how active your immune system is. It won't diagnose Lupus, but it will tell you when your immune system has kicked into overdrive, whatever the reason. It's a lot less of a hassle than getting tested for Lupus yearly, so consider doing that instead. Should the ANA ever go through the roof, then you can test for Lupus.

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6. 60

   fallenpixie09posted 13 years ago

   thanks everyone! all your advice has given me a few options to think about. It really means alot!

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