Lupus went from 1.4 to 1.6 so how bad is this?

Doc said i had lupus in 2003 I take a lot of meds was in pain went to him and he checked me for the levels of lupus which came back as 1.6 so his nurse says. I have been on morphine for years due to another reason. How do they scale lupus and what really causes it? I can't find on the web any grafts of progress of lupus or charting nor scales to find out just where I stand with this. Have to go to specialist yet. what is the life span of someone with lupus? I don't get rashes and etc. Mine is joint pain and swelling

I have Lupus and APS and have never hear that scale other than in an INR. Either way numbers will go up and down as disease waxes and wanes. But the numbers do not necceasarily tell the whole story.

You need to be followed by a rheumatologist. I certainly hope they have you on Plaquenil.

Despite the symptoms of lupus and the potential side-effects of treatment, people with lupus can maintain a high quality of life overall. One key to managing lupus is to understand the disease and its impact. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a flare can help the patient take steps to ward it off or reduce its intensity. Many people with lupus experience increased fatigue, pain, a rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, or dizziness just before a flare. Developing strategies to prevent flares can also be helpful, such as learning to recognize your warning signals and maintaining good communication with your doctor.

It is also important for people with lupus to receive regular health care, instead of seeking help only when symptoms worsen. Results from a medical exam and laboratory work on a regular basis allows the doctor to note any changes and to identify and treat flares early. The treatment plan, which is tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances, can be adjusted accordingly. If new symptoms are identified early, treatments may be more effective. Other concerns also can be addressed at regular checkups. The doctor can provide guidance about such issues as the use of sunscreens, stress reduction, and the importance of structured exercise and rest, as well as birth control and family planning. Because people with lupus can be more susceptible to infections, the doctor may recommend yearly influenza vaccinations or pneumococcal vaccinations for some patients.

Women with lupus should receive regular preventive health care, such as gynecological and breast examinations. Men with lupus should have the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Both men and women need to have their blood pressure and cholesterol checked on a regular basis. If a person is taking corticosteroids or antimalarial medications, an eye exam should be done at least yearly to screen for and treat eye problems.

Learning to recognize the warning signs of a flare can help the patient take steps to ward it off or reduce its intensity.

Staying healthy requires extra effort and care for people with lupus, so it becomes especially important to develop strategies for maintaining wellness. Wellness involves close attention to the body, mind, and spirit. One of the primary goals of wellness for people with lupus is coping with the stress of having a chronic disorder. Effective stress management varies from person to person. Some approaches that may help include exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation, and setting priorities for spending time and energy.

Developing and maintaining a good support system is also important. A support system may include family, friends, medical professionals, community organizations, and support groups. Participating in a support group can provide emotional help, boost self-esteem and morale, and help develop or improve coping skills.

Warning Signs of a Flare

-Increased fatigue
-Pain
-Rash
-Fever
-Abdominal discomfort
-Headache
-Dizziness

Preventing a Flare

-Learn to recognize your warning signals
-Maintain good communication with your doctor

Learning more about lupus may also help. Studies have shown that patients who are well-informed and participate actively in their own care experience less pain, make fewer visits to the doctor, build self-confidence, and remain more active.

Tips for Working With Your Doctor

-Seek a health care provider who is familiar with SLE and who will listen to and address your concerns.
-Provide complete, accurate medical information.
-Make a list of your questions and concerns in advance.
-Be honest and share your point of view with the health care provider.
-Ask for clarification or further explanation if you need it.
-Talk to other members of the health care team, such as nurses, therapists, or pharmacists.
-Do not hesitate to discuss sensitive subjects (for example, birth control, intimacy) with your doctor.
-Discuss any treatment changes with your doctor before making them.

I did some more digging.....that might be your White Blood cells. But without the actual lab test name, I really can't guess. Can you get the lab slip and tell me what it is? Report It

I believe the 1.4 and 1.6 are in reference to your ANA level. ANA stands for antinuclear antibodies ( I think it does anyway). Report It

i remember numbers liek that when i had kideney involvement .. but you might want to ask Report It

Look up lupus in the search engine of yahoo. There are a lot of great web sites out there on the subject. Get plenty of rest and take some vitamin supplements. I make up a drink from one cup water some frozen black cherries; frozen blue berries and a handful of strawberries and sometimes a banana. It helps keep up my immune system. Lupus is an auto immune system problem. Your body's immune system goes haywire and attacks the body. Anything you do or take to improve you immune system helps. Read everything you can on the Internet. There are even books on lupus that you can get on amazon.com