Should I talk to my doctor about lupus?
Because lupus is not a simple disease to recognize, it’s a good idea to start by seeing a general medicine doctor—also known as Primary Care Provider, General Practitioner, or Family Physician.
What kind of doctor do you need for lupus?
Most of the time it’s a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating joint and muscle diseases, who will make a diagnosis of lupus. But usually your primary care physician will recommend that you see a specialist after you or your primary doctor has observed some of the common lupus warning signs.
Can I ask my doctor to test me for lupus?
Your doctor may ask you to get these blood tests: A complete blood count (CBC) to measure the numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (cells that help blood clot) in your blood. Antibody tests to find out if your immune system is attacking healthy tissue.
Does lupus cause speech problems?
Many people with lupus sometimes have confusion, memory loss, and trouble expressing thoughts. The medical term is cognitive dysfunction. These symptoms can come and go. Lupus brain fog can be frustrating, but you can learn to live with your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What should you ask your lupus doctor on your first visit?
The questions should you ask your Lupus Doctor on your first visit is very important. Because this is all so very new in the beginning, getting educated on the words commonly used in Lupus will help you to have a productive conversation with your doctor. You can Download your Lupus Dictionary here.
What types of doctors treat lupus?
Typically, lupus is treated by rheumatologists. Rheumatologists are internists or pediatricians (or both) that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones, as well as certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
What happens when Doctor has no experience with lupus?
So, when a clinician has little to no experience with lupus outside of a textbook, it can make lupus management more difficult. No two cases of lupus are exactly the same. People experience different symptoms, ranges of severity, organ involvement, and physiological responses to stress.
What are the most common questions about lupus?
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with lupus, it’s natural to have a long list of questions about the disease, including how it’ll affect you and what kind of treatment you’ll need. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about lupus, thanks to the Lupus Research Alliance and the Lupus Initiative.
When to talk to your doctor about lupus?
It’s time to take the first step: to have a conversation with your doctor about the changes you’ve been experiencing, how your health is being affected, and whether these signs and symptoms could be due to the autoimmune disease lupus, or some other illness or condition.
What kind of Doctor do you see for lupus?
Rheumatologists are the doctors who specialize in treating diseases of the joints and muscles, like lupus. If you have at least four of the criteria on the list, either at the present time or at some time in the past, there is a strong chance that you have lupus.
How to deal with fatigue associated with lupus?
Lupus and Fatigue 1 Defining Fatigue. Fatigue is an integral aspect of living with lupus . 2 Causes of Fatigue That May Be Unrelated to Lupus. Dr. 3 Working with Your Doctor to Better Understand Fatigue. While fatigue is a common experience, Dr. 4 What You Can Do to Manage Your Fatigue. In addition to working with your doctor,…
How to find out if you have lupus?
Review your medical history, including any medications you may be taking Review your family medical history for any close relatives with lupus or another autoimmune condition Order, then review laboratory test results, when tests are indicated, and imaging studies (X-ray; MRI), when appropriate