Lady Gaga

I heard/read in several places that Lady Gaga was recently diagnosed with Lupus. It's unfortunate, but I thought I'd share with all of you on the forum who have both ITP and Lupus. Perhaps she can bring more awareness to the disease...she is definitely good at attracting attention to herself.....

Natalie

Hmmm. I hadn't heard that.

I just poked around and found that she "tested borderline positive" for Lupus, but doesn't have any symptoms. That could mean something as simple as her ANA was 1:80, which means very little, or it could mean that her blood work showed more than that. Without symptoms though, there won't be a diagnosis. Time will tell.

I hope she doesn't get diagnosed. Too young, too talented.

When does one get the ANA test? Is it when there are Lupus symptoms?
A lot of people talk about that on here - I have never had that test. Should I be asking for it?

Is there a list somewhere of what tests are recommended and at what time? I know I've read bits and pieces about it but I don't think I've seen a check list.

I hadn't heard anything about Lady Gaga. Interesting.

Michelle I'm doing eactly that on Tuesday of Next week I'm asking my PC doctor to test me for Lupus. I did some research and have some of the signs and symptoms of Lupus which I think are all linked. They been treating them independently for years. I found a website that lists "Eleven Criteria" for a dignosis of Lupus. www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/lupus/lupus_diagnosis

Some doctors get an ANA done on a patient if they suspect there is more going on than ITP. It's not necessary, just a possible autoimmune problem predictor. Many people think that a positive ANA means they have Lupus. Not true. A slightly elevated ANA means nothing. A highly elevated ANA needs watching, but does not mean Lupus.

If a person has ITP, which is one of the Lupus criteria, and other physical symptoms, they should see a Rheumatologist.

Michelle - there isn't a check list. Most people don't have a lot of testing done.