Yeah, and maybe your "rheumatism" will feel better if you go sit in your rocker and knit for awhile. No offense to any of you who knit. Better than being a knit-wit.

I volunteered 10 years of my life to the local lupus foundation. Lupus sucks. It can be managed but it also can be a very dangerous disease. (I'm lecturing the doctor, not you, because I'm ticked off.) I'd hide too, if I were him. That antibody test is VERY specific to lupus. I have seen firsthand how it impacts peoples lives.

Yes, they can "see" congestive heart failure on an echo. It's not really something you see but has a lot of criteria such as a low ejection fraction, etc.

Lupus can attack anywhere in the body. You are probably doing okay because of the Pred. Pred can cause edema too, especially if you have too much sodium. You simply need a damn good internist who will send you around to GOOD specialists and then come up with a plan for you. This is plain silly (not you, the doctoring).

You are very smart, Nicky. You know the deal. I could literally go nuts when I think about how doctors treat (mainly) women.

And the RA would be negative on Pred but I suppose you've had it off of it too?

You know what? I think you should list all the diagnosed conditions you have, along with all the positive test results and all their associated symptoms. Then bring the list in to an internist. Watch their jaw drop as they quickly arrange for tests and appts. Wish I could swear.


Annie