Question
-Thank you for the words of encouragement!  The lab tests were both done at the same lab company, so it is easy to compare mine with my sisters.  I am faxing them to her, and she will show them to her rheumatologist next week.  I will have surgery for gastroparesis Dec. 29th.  I discussed it with the surgeon and intake nurse.  I also have a nurse case manager who is looking into it.  

If you have autoimmune symptoms, do most people suffer for years before it shows up on their lab work? Looking back at prior 2 years of lab tests, I have consistantly low White blood counts.  And I have repeatedly asked about specific symptoms, only to have them explained away.  Now with the advent of the internet, patients have access to so much more information.  I try to ask questions without interrogating.  You have to be your own best advocate.

Thank you for your response. ------------------------
Followup To
Question -
My sister and I both took blood tests for Lupus Anticoagulant, and came out with similar results.  We live on opposite coasts of the USA.  She saw a Rheumatologist, who diagnosed Antiphospholipid syndrome and may be developing Lupus.  She also has Osteo Arthritis.  My Dr., an Osteopath, says my test results don't correspond (with the diagnosis she got) even though my numbers are higher, and I have had more symptoms.

This is scarey stuff.  Do you know of any website that explains lab test results?  I am looking for a new primary physician, as I dont feel he is knowledgeable.

I have also been diagnosed with gastroparesis, and she is undergoing tests for same.  Sometimes people criticize patients who are agressive in finding a diagnosis.  To me, it is life.  If you know, you can respond.  If you dont, you only exist and become a victim.

Any info you may have would be of great value.
Thanks
Answer -
Dear Katherine,   I totally agree with your thinking and proud that you are a person who will stand up for her right to know and also that you will educate yourself about all of the possibilities and demand a proper diagnosis....

Since all labs use different variant as to high, low and normal limits, it is often hard to get specifics with your exact lab work...  However, you can get a rough idea as to whether your doctor knows how to interpret these lab tests....  As for 1 web site that can give you all the information you need on your lab test results, there isn't just one...  You should go to a search engine like YAHOO and then type in the blood test(s) like this
  example:   cholesterol normal values
         ANA normal values etc...

You did not write here any of your blood test results or whether your doctor's lab marked them "H", "L", "normal", so I can't do any research for you....

You need to get a doctor that is a specialist in diagnosis autoimmune diseases and other syndromes as you listed above and you may want to consider seeing a Rheumatologist/Immunologist......

Also check out this web site:
www.emedicine.com/med/topic2923.htm

thank you,   karen

Answer
Dear Katherine,   YES, it is very possible to have undiagnosed autoimmune disease for years without a specific diagnosis...  The reason is often, autoimmune diseases need to "flare" before they become apparrent in blood work...  Also, flares do not always cause the only pain autoimmune disease patients feel... They can have autoimmune disease pain but not be in a flare and therefore, blood test results come back "normal"....

A "LOW" white blood cell count can indicate several possible medical conditions and ONE of them is "autoimmune disease" and often doctors just do not THINK about this possibility as often as they should or maybe some people could be diagnosed earlier than they are....

I hope your sister's doctors can help you get the proper diagnosis that you need and deserve....

thank you,   karen