On an auto immune diseas is it a guessing game and how is it diagnosed?

Question:

I think that I have rheumatism, how to you go to a doctor who doesn't think that and relies on blood test. The test show that there is inflammation but that's all. Wouldn't that with my symptoms be it. I also want to know if I have some kind of cervogenic headache since my head hurts all the time and so does my jaw. My neck was seriously out of alignment for over 15 years. How would you get that looked at before I lose my health insurance and before I am broke.

Answer:
This may sound goofy, but you may want to rule out a dental infection/problem. They can often cause body aches, lethargy, etc. Be sure to see your dentist.

Autoimmune diseases are a nasty bunch. It is often a guessing game it terms of who gets what, although there is a large body of evidence that shows genetic connection, i.e. your risk is increased if a family member has the autoimmune disease of concern. The blood tests that you doctor is referring to are antibody tests and they show very high specificity and sensitivity. Here is how the antibody tests work: If you are positive for an autoimmune disease(let's say rheumatiod arthritis, in this case), your body would attack your bone joints and connective tissue. Well, just like a virus, your body would develop antibodies against your connective tissue. These blood tests determine if you have this very specific collection of antibodies. If you do, you are positive for this disease. That is how a disease like rheuamatoid arthritis is diagnosed.

With the headaches, that is tough question. That is something that you can discuss with your primary care physician, but if you prefer to go straight to a specialist, a neurologist would be the next logical step. Hope this helps.

On an auto immune diseas is it a guessing game and how is it diagnosed?

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