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Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain And Fatigue
Question: I am experiencing systemic pain, bouts of brain fog, and heavy fatigue. This week, I tested negative for autoimmune antibodies, but have a ESR of 67 and a mildly elevated CRP of 1.1. (The lab says that anything greater than .5 is elevated.)
My questions are 1) can I assume that if my ANA is negative that I do not have autoimmune disease? 2) I do have all of the pain points for fibromyalgia. Can fibro raise your ESR and CRP? 3) Could I just be having some kind of internal infection that could be cleared up with antibiotics?
I am hypothyroid, but my TSH is in range with treatment.
I have allergies and asthma, but I am also doing very well with treatment. My asthma is not bothering me at the moment
My questions are 1) can I assume that if my ANA is negative that I do not have autoimmune disease? 2) I do have all of the pain points for fibromyalgia. Can fibro raise your ESR and CRP? 3) Could I just be having some kind of internal infection that could be cleared up with antibiotics?
I am hypothyroid, but my TSH is in range with treatment.
I have allergies and asthma, but I am also doing very well with treatment. My asthma is not bothering me at the moment
Brief Answer:
Answers of your questions
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. I will answer your questions one by one
1) No, ANA is mainly positive in systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) and few others like Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)/Polymyositis/Scleroderma/Sjögren's syndrome. But it is not the sole marker of autoimmune disorder. To confirm RA, RA factor is needed. If positive, it means RA. Other disorders have different antibodies like c-ANCA, p-ANCA, XXXXXXX etc.
2) Fibromyalgia is non inflammatory pain disorder which has specific pain points, pain is dull aching, more common in females, diagnosis is mostly by exclusion. In it, ESR and CRP remain normal. If any rise in ESR and CRP is found, we must look for other causes like autoimmune disorder, infection.
So the answer is "NO".
3) Internal infection possibility can not be ruled out in you. You are right that it should be evaluated. To evaluate, the doctor should take your proper history and do physical examination. It will help in reaching at some conclusion. The cause can be infection/autoimmune disorder/colitis. Even bowel disease like ulcerative colitis can cause systemic pain and other illness. But evaluation should only be done as per history.
Hope it will help you. If you have any other questions, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care
Answers of your questions
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. I will answer your questions one by one
1) No, ANA is mainly positive in systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) and few others like Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)/Polymyositis/Scleroderma/Sjögren's syndrome. But it is not the sole marker of autoimmune disorder. To confirm RA, RA factor is needed. If positive, it means RA. Other disorders have different antibodies like c-ANCA, p-ANCA, XXXXXXX etc.
2) Fibromyalgia is non inflammatory pain disorder which has specific pain points, pain is dull aching, more common in females, diagnosis is mostly by exclusion. In it, ESR and CRP remain normal. If any rise in ESR and CRP is found, we must look for other causes like autoimmune disorder, infection.
So the answer is "NO".
3) Internal infection possibility can not be ruled out in you. You are right that it should be evaluated. To evaluate, the doctor should take your proper history and do physical examination. It will help in reaching at some conclusion. The cause can be infection/autoimmune disorder/colitis. Even bowel disease like ulcerative colitis can cause systemic pain and other illness. But evaluation should only be done as per history.
Hope it will help you. If you have any other questions, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you. That answers my questions exactly.
Brief Answer:
Thanks for the appreciation
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks a lot for appreciation.
If any doubt, do let me know. If satisfied with answer, please close it by giving ratings.
Thanks. Take care. Best wishes for your health.
Thanks for the appreciation
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks a lot for appreciation.
If any doubt, do let me know. If satisfied with answer, please close it by giving ratings.
Thanks. Take care. Best wishes for your health.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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