Navigating My Health Journey Part 2: Unraveling the Mystery of a New Rash
Embarking on a health journey can be like navigating through a labyrinth of mysteries. When faced with a new rash, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. In this blog post, I delve into blood tests and hopes of unraveling the enigma of my body's signals.
HEALTH
8/1/20241 min read
Part 2: The Persistent Struggle
For a year and a half after my uveitis diagnosis, my health journey has been anything but smooth. Dealing with ongoing flare-ups of uveitis and the prolonged use of steroids has taken a toll on my well-being. Just when I thought I had managed to navigate through the worst, a new challenge emerged - an itchy rash spread across my body, adding another layer of complexity to my already complicated health scenario.
The Onset of an Unexplained Rash
The onset of the rash was both unexpected and unsettling. Initially, I dismissed it as a minor irritation on my arm, perhaps an allergic reaction to something mundane. However, as weeks turned into months, the rash persisted and intensified. The constant itchiness and discomfort, prompting me to seek answers beyond over-the-counter remedies.
Consulting My Primary Care Physician
After numerous failed attempts to alleviate the rash on my own or hoping it would run its course, I decided it was time to involve my primary care physician. During the consultation, we discussed my medical history, including the recent flare-ups and ongoing steroid use.
Next Steps: Investigation
My appointment with my primary care physician involved blood tests, mainly focusing on my ANA results. These results would guide us in deciding the next course of action.
What is ANA blood test? An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, also known as a functional antinuclear antibody (FANA) test, is a blood test that looks for antibodies that attack healthy cell nuclei instead of foreign substances like bacteria or viruses. The immune system produces these antibodies, called antinuclear antibodies, when it mistakenly attacks its own cells.
Results: What now?
Test results:
High cholesterol
High glucose
Vitamin D deficiency
Positive ANA results
Next stop - referral to a rheumatologist
Since I'm still using steroid drops my primary care doctor did not want to prescribe me anything for my rash and wait and see what the rheumatologist recommended.
