Hi! I have just returend from the ER,
after a 6 month run of what I had been
told was Mono. Well, the ER doc told me
my "sediment count" is very high - 67.
And that I should be tested for Auto
Immune diseases. He kept saying, "It may
be lupus or something like that."
I was wondering if anyone could give me a
heads up on this "sediment count." What
is it, and what has it got to do with
Lupus.
Thanks!
Dawn
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faulkner99
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 15 Jul 2003 Posts: 7 Location: ILLINOIS
new to lupus Posted: 07-27-03 07:32am
hi I just found out I have Lupus in June
of 2003 however I have felt terrible for a
couple of years now. I dont know exactly
what the sediment rate means but I can
tell you about other symptoms. I have
fatigue so bad that I cant function, joint
pain ALL OVER, it hurts to walk, I bruise
very easily, headaches, swelling, some
hairloss and a rash. the are other
symptoms as well. Educate yourself and
tell your Dr. all of the problems that you
are having. There are medicines that help
with all the symptoms.
Gos Bless You
Christy
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LadyBrannon
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 506 Location: TX
To both of you! Posted: 07-30-03 14:18pm
If I recall correctly, the Sedrate count
shows inflammation. When combined with
another test, the C-Reactive Protein test,
they can see long-term inflammation and
short term inflammation.
I also recall that a sedrate count can go
high with viral or bacterial infections.
That is why it is used more as an
indicator of a flare than anything
strictly to do with having Lupus or any
other autoimmune disease. "Mono" or
Epstein-Barr is one that would cause the
Sedrate to be high. However, if the doctor
thought you should be tested; THEN YOU
SHOULD BE TESTED!!!
There is not ONE test for Lupus. Rather,
they use a combination of symptoms and
test results. There are several tests and
symptoms. I think the College of
Rheumatology has 11 declared symptoms and
if you have 4 or more, then it could be
Lupus.
As for seeing if you have Lupus, DO SO!!!
The Doctor mentioned it for a reason. Find
a Rheumatologist in your area and have
them run the battery of tests.
