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My son who is 4 has to see a Ped. Rheumatologist on Friday at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for possible Lupus. His ANA and Fed rate tests came back borderline high. What can I expect them to do upon his 1st visit. How rough is this gonna be if he does have Lupus which is what his pediatrician thinks he has?? Thanks
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What To Expect At The 1st Visit To The Pediatric Rheumatologist?
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We just got back from a Pediatric Rheummy the other day with our 13 yr old daughter who has recently been diagnosed with Lupus. Her mother has it as well, diagnosed at age 15.
First I would get educated about what tests were performed and what the results of those tests were. Understand what an ANA is and what a SED rate is not Fed rate. SED rate stands for sedimentation rate sometimes referred to an ESR. This just means that there is inflammation. An ANA is looking for the destruction of Nuceli in the body, this usually results from an auto immune disease. ANA’s are given in split titer amounts such as 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, 1:640, 1:1280. This basically describes when the lab tech wasn’t able to detect any more nuclei, they dilute the sample in half each time and then report the sample that they were able to see nuclei in last. An ANA of 1:80 is considered a very low positive. 1:160 is considered positive, anything 1:320 and above is considered a high positive.
Most times a complete Lupus panel hasn’t been run when you visit the rheumatologist and they will order one. The results of these tests usually take about a week or so to get back. Additionally, the doctor will do a complete exam of the child from head to toe. They’ll ask your son to walk, move, lift his arms, etc. They will ask you about why you had him tested. What signs/symptoms was he exhibiting. It is important that you are completely accurate when giving your answers because your child cannot really speak for himself yet. I would write down all of his symptoms and dates when they occurred, any medical problems he has had, any medications he is taking as well as questions you would like to ask the doctor.
This will help you during your visit when it can be a bit nerve racking because you’re worried about your kid. They won’t diagnose Lupus on your child during this visit because they’ll re-run all tests and go over the medical history. They may also spend several months observing him prior to giving you a diagnosis.
After filling out the usual paperwork for medical history etc.the doctor will examine your son for the obvious signs. Most specialists order repeat blood work along with checking out other levels.Other than that you can check out Lupus at webmd.com.Its an excellent website.Good luck and I pray that your son doesn’t have it.