dustyhound38 said:I would be incredibly grateful if someone could share their thoughts regarding my blood work results. Currently, I am dealing with contact allergic dermatitis and have been running a low-grade fever of about 99°F to 99.2°F every night. Aside from the itching caused by the dermatitis, I don't have any other symptoms. I will simply list the values that fall outside the standard range, followed by the normal reference ranges in parentheses: Platelets 122 (150-425) PCT 0.14 (0.16-0.43) Neutrophils #1.83 (2.00-6.50) Lymphocytes 3.81 (1.00-3.40) And again Neutrophils 29.6% (45.0-70.0) Lymphocytes 61.6% (20.0-45.0) IgE 143.4 (div>
Here is what I understand based on my own reading, but I am certainly no doctor, so please wait for or seek out a professional medical opinion.
PCT represents the volume percentage of platelets within a unit of whole blood (typically 0.200 to 0.500). A decrease in platelet count—known as thrombocytopenia—is defined as having a platelet count below 100,000 per microliter of blood. If the count drops below 50,000, there is an increased tendency to bleed from even minor injuries. Spontaneous bleeding can occur if the count falls below 20,000. Conversely, thrombocytosis occurs when the platelet count exceeds 500,000 per microliter. An elevated platelet count can arise from various underlying medical conditions. From what I gather, neutropenia combined with an increase in lymphocytes is often triggered by certain viral infections—essentially, it’s what happens when the body is actively fighting off a virus.
In my case, I tested positive for Mycoplasma, yet my husband came back negative on every single swab—and we haven't seen anyone else, so there's no question about infidelity. That leaves us with two possibilities for transmission: a public pool or a restroom. I’m effectively ruling out the restroom because, at home, it was just the two of us using it. Besides, I have this neurotic habit of avoiding public restrooms entirely; if I absolutely have to go, I practically hover over the seat rather than sitting down on it. 😛According to my gynecologist—and honestly, I agree with her—the most plausible culprit was a swimming pool, specifically one that wasn't being properly treated with any sanitizing chemicals.
Then it’s entirely possible that I picked it up from a toilet seat. This past summer, I spent some time at a summer camp, which meant I was forced to rely on public restrooms for about ten days straight. Even though they were being cleaned multiple times a day, it doesn't change the reality of the situation. Regardless, I share that same sentiment; I tend to hold it in rather than risk using a public or shared restroom seat. 😵🕺
Maria Fisher46 said:It appears there might be some underlying issues with your urinary tract after all. You should definitely go back and have that urine analysis repeated.
Have you undergone cervical swabs specifically testing for Chlamydia or Mycoplasma? It’s important to note that a standard urine culture won't typically flag Chlamydia or Mycoplasma, so if these symptoms continue to persist, you really ought to consider looking into those specific tests as well.
If the microbiological screening fails to pin down the root cause, then the next logical step would be a full urological consultation.
I went ahead and did the swabs for Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and Chlamydia. The results came back positive for Urea and Myco, but negative for Chlamydia. I finished a course of Doxycycline—taking two tablets daily for the first five days and then tapering down to one tablet a day for another eleven or twelve days. Throughout the treatment, I completely cut out milk and dairy products, and I made sure to abstain from any sexual activity. Now, I’m waiting to go back for my follow-up swab. The confusing part is that I never dealt with these kinds of symptoms or abdominal pains before, even though I clearly carried those bacteria. My boyfriend took antibiotics as well. I honestly can't wrap my head around how I even contracted this. Everything says these are transmitted exclusively through sexual contact, yet I don't change partners. His only previous relationship was with his first girlfriend, and they always practiced safe sex.😒
Maria Fisher46 said:You definitely need to get an ultrasound, and you should probably redo the urinalysis. The presence of numerous squamous epithelial cells suggests the sample might not have been collected properly—specifically, you might not have caught the midstream flow. Are you experiencing any discomfort or irritation when you urinate?
I went in for an abdominal ultrasound, and everything came back pristine. The doctor told me it looks perfect; kidneys are fine, ureters are clear, and my gallbladder, liver, and spleen all look like they're in top shape. About two months ago, I had blood work done as well, which also showed nothing out of the ordinary. Today, I received my urine culture results—completely sterile. Back in September of last year, I dealt with an E. coli infection, but I managed to clear that up using Bactrim and some probiotic drops. Since then, I’ve had at least five or six different urine cultures, and every single one has been sterile.
Regarding urination, I sometimes get this sensation like I haven't completely emptied my bladder, even though there's nothing left in there. I also deal with frequent mild vaginal inflammation, which I manage with various over-the-counter treatments. My Pap smear was normal, and I recently had a gynecological exam where the doctor said everything looked perfect.
Is it possible that the elevated red blood cells are due to the fact that I had my period just a few days before providing the sample? There wasn't any visible blood when I went; I was certain my period had ended, as there hadn't been any spotting for at least two or three days prior. Furthermore, I am extremely meticulous about hygiene.
I made sure to let the initial stream go into the toilet and collected only the midstream portion into the sterile container after thoroughly washing my hands.
The reason I sought an abdominal ultrasound in the first place was due to some dull pains in my lower back and upper abdomen. However, the doctor insisted my abdomen is in perfect condition and suggested the pain might just be muscular. But once I showed him the urinalysis, he mentioned it could potentially indicate some sort of inflammation. I will certainly be requesting a repeat test... 😵 thanks! 😉
Nicholas Myers, I am reaching out because I could really use some insight. About a month ago, I started experiencing discomfort in my upper right abdomen, with the sensation occasionally radiating downward. It wasn't an excruciating pain—nothing that required immediate medication—but rather a persistent, nagging annoyance. However, once I began paying closer attention—largely because I read how many different conditions can manifest this way—the discomfort started spreading toward the center and sometimes even over to the left side. On top of that, I’ve been dealing with back pain between my shoulder blades, which sometimes migrates down to my lower back. Honestly, the back pain is the most debilitating part, even during times when the abdominal area feels fine. I went to see my primary care physician, who performed a physical exam; everything felt normal to the touch and there was no palpable swelling or enlargement. I am currently waiting for an ultrasound appointment scheduled for this Friday.
MY URINALYSIS RESULTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Urine Color: Yellow Ref Value: Light yellow Clear urine pH Level: 5 (right at the lower limit) Specific Gravity within ref. range Bilirubin - negative. Ref value - negative Nitrites - negative. Ref value - negative ketone - negative. Ref value - negative Protein - negative. Ref value - negative Glucose - negative. Ref value - negative Erythrocytes/Hemoglobin - negative. Ref value - negative
MICROSCOPIC URINE FINDINGS:
Leukocytes 6 H REF VAL. 0-2 Erythrocytes 3 H. REF VAL. 0-2 Squamous epithelial cells 11 REF VAL 0-1 MUCUS - trace (+)
What could these results indicate, and should I be concerned?
restlessstag71 said:Just to add one more thing to my previous points—I realized I forgot something that’s actually quite significant. When I had my baby via C-section, we were on pain management for three days straight, and honestly, I felt fantastic. I didn't experience any of those specific issues mentioned at all. Aside from the usual recovery from surgery, which was nothing compared to spinal issues, I was incredibly energetic—almost hyperactive—and just genuinely happy. I was naive enough to think all my back pain had vanished along with the pregnancy. But after three days passed, the disappointment hit me hard, and I just couldn't snap out of it... 😢
This is a common experience for many women. To give you an example, my aunt has dealt with chronic back pain her entire life, starting as early as her mid-teens; there are times when she tells me she can barely even turn over in bed, and other times the pain radiates into her arms, fingers, and legs. Her condition definitely took a turn for the worse after childbirth, though that isn't surprising by any stretch of the imagination. For a while, she wore this magnetic bracelet that she swears saved her, providing years of relief. Now, the pain flares up occasionally, but she's forty now, works all day both professionally and at home, and manages a thirteen-year-old without letting it stop her. If I can dig up more specifics about that bracelet, I’ll let you know. There's no harm in trying something new. You might even consider visiting a local herbalist you trust to find some natural, plant-based teas for rheumatic issues. I actually know an older woman who was told she’d never walk again, yet ten years later, she’s out running while I’m just struggling to walk. For now, please follow the advice from the earlier comment and do your own research. There are plenty of paths and solutions out there that might either resolve this for you or, at the very least, make life significantly easier!
restlessstag71 said:Thank you, Jason James3, for the advice; I will certainly pursue all the tests you mentioned. I have also been wondering if I should be taking calcium or magnesium—you mentioned Omega-3 as well, which I know is beneficial, but do you have any specific recommendations on brands? I currently have Solgar Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc on hand; would those be suitable? And what about Omega-3? Perhaps Vitamin D as well?
I personally rely on BODY&FIT Essentials Omega-3 Fish Oil, Universal Naturals Calcium, Zinc, and Magnesium (plus Copper) mineral formula, Universal Naturals Vitamin B-Complex, and Optimum Vitamin C-1000mg gluten-free. Of course, there is no strict requirement to stick to a single manufacturer; it is perfectly sufficient to simply visit a reputable pharmacy in your local area. If I may offer some guidance, I suggest opting for calcium, magnesium, and zinc in capsule form rather than effervescent tablets, as the latter can sometimes be taxing on the liver. Vitamin D is certainly not a bad idea either, though one must exercise caution against overconsumption; regardless of how healthy a vitamin may be, excess is never beneficial. For my part, the Omega-3, B-Complex, and the various supplements I listed have provided significant relief. I would also wholeheartedly recommend incorporating royal jelly into your regimen, as it will likely alleviate some of your symptoms. Regarding the Omega capsules, they consist of fish oil, which has proven efficacy in managing rheumatic issues. Generally speaking, aim for more fish and fluids, and try to limit your intake of red meat. Personally, I am a firm believer that there is nothing that cannot be cured or, at the very least, halted if caught early enough. Adhere to a healthy diet as strictly as possible and engage in regular, moderate physical activity every day—even if that just means stretching. Many individuals suffering from arthritis shy away from exertion out of fear that they might further damage their aching joints, but that is a fundamental misconception; such inactivity leads to muscle weakness, whereas strengthening the muscles is essential so they can shoulder the primary load instead of the joints themselves. I truly hope your test results indicate that everything is fine. Stay positive; I am wishing you the very best of luck!
I appreciate you reaching out. I have an appointment with a physiatrist/rheumatologist in two weeks, so I’ll see what their take is. I was actually thinking about paying out of pocket to run those specific tests you mentioned; honestly, it isn't going to break the bank. I had my physical about a month ago, and my CRP and ESR levels weren't elevated, but I plan to redo all of that along with the extra labs you suggested. I have to admit, I am feeling quite anxious about this. I neglected to mention that I gave birth just three months ago, and since I'm no longer exactly a spring chicken at 36, I can only hope there's a logical connection between everything and that this whole mess is just a series of unfortunate coincidences. Thanks again for the help.
Don't mention it. It is highly probable that this is tied directly to your pregnancy; it is quite common for women to experience increased joint, bone, and back pain following childbirth. You really shouldn't let anxiety take hold just yet. If there were an active inflammatory process, your CRP and ESR would likely be showing signs by now, especially after this much time has passed. Even if it does turn out to be arthritis, it isn't the end of the world—plenty of people manage it successfully through consistent physical activity and a disciplined diet. I would suggest supplementing with calcium, magnesium, Omega-3, and Omega-6. Pineapple also possesses excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Of course, these aren't substitutes for professional medical intervention, but they can certainly provide some relief. Just to be safe, you might want to check your urine pH levels; an elevated pH can often be a culprit behind this type of discomfort. Make sure to get the Waller-Rose, rheumatoid factor, immunoglobulins, CRP, and sedimentation checked. Wishing you the very best!
I would also like to ask you for some help interpreting these lab results. I’ve been dealing with chronic lower back pain for quite a while now. I have already consulted two of the top neurosurgeons in the country, along with an excellent orthopedic surgeon and a chiropractor, and they all maintain that my spine is perfectly fine. My MRI results came back clear as well. They suggested I focus on strengthening my muscles since they've weakened.
However, I can't shake the feeling that this pain isn't just a muscular issue. After doing a bit of digging, I've started wondering if it might be some form of arthritis. I have appointments scheduled with a physiatrist and a rheumatologist in two weeks, but I am naturally quite anxious and was hoping someone might be able to weigh in sooner. I took photos of the reports, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to upload them, so I will transcribe the data here.
HLA-A 3 11 HLA-B 18 35 HLA*DRB1* 01 15 CDC-REACTION COUNT 00/00/24 Note: N97; AUTO CM IS NEGATIVE
result unit ref inter notes ANA (ENA) IIF homogeneous titer <1:100 1:100
I'm not entirely sure if I transcribed everything correctly. From what I've gathered through my own research online, it seems this ANA result is positive.
If you could find a moment to help me understand what this might imply, I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you in advance!
I have a bit of experience dealing with certain types of inflammatory arthritis. In most cases, the pain is most intense in the morning and tends to subside once you start moving around. That stiffness can last anywhere from thirty minutes to much longer, depending on how far things have progressed. If you suspect arthritis, you really should get a CRP test to check for active inflammation in your system. You should also look into a Waller-Rose test, which can indicate rheumatoid arthritis—though typically, that only turns positive about six months after symptoms first appear. It wouldn't hurt to get an ESR (sedimentation rate) done if you haven't already, as that's another key marker for inflammation, and perhaps an AST test to rule out strep-related arthritis, though I doubt that's the culprit here. If you haven't had a Rheumatoid Factor test yet, you should do that too. Lupus can certainly cause back pain, but since your immunoglobulins look normal, I wouldn't jump to that conclusion just yet. If you notice any skin rashes or other systemic issues, make sure you see a rheumatologist or an immunologist immediately, assuming you aren't seeing one already.
WBC 4.3 (3.4 - 9.7) Neutrophils (#) 1.39 (2.06-6.49) L Lymphocytes (#) - within reference range Neutrophils (%) 32 (44-72) L Lymphocytes (%) 55 (20-46) H Eosinophils, basophils, immature granulocytes, and monocytes are all normal. ESR 2 (4-24) L TSH 4.980 (0.465-4.68) H. Antibodies are normal. I am not currently on any medication. Albumin, alpha, and beta globulins are normal. IgG, IgM, IgA are within reference ranges Total protein 72.9 (bedridden patients 60-78) ????? RBC 5.39 (3.86-5.08) H All other CBC values are normal
1.) For quite some time now, I've had a single enlarged lymph node on my neck; it's mobile. This has been going on for about four years, ever since I had infectious mononucleosis. During a thyroid ultrasound and nuclear medicine scan, the doctor didn't even mention this specific node being enlarged. I can't feel anything above the collarbone or under my armpits, but I can feel them in my groin—though they are extremely small. My doctor mentioned that almost everyone can palpate nodes in the groin area and that they aren't considered enlarged unless they exceed 1.5 to 2 cm. (I tend toward hypochondria.) What I really want to understand is why my lymphocytes are elevated while my neutrophils are low. My immunologist insists that this blood work is perfectly normal and gives me no reason for concern, especially given my age. I would appreciate your perspective. These blood counts have remained largely consistent for the four years since I recovered from mono. I am a 21-year-old female.
2.) In my case, the mononucleosis dragged on for an incredibly long time. I had a fever lasting about two weeks, reaching up to 102 F. The throat pain was excruciating, accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. Initially, the antibodies indicated an acute infection, while IgG was negative for the first month and a half. Later on, even after a year, both the acute infection antibodies and the IgG antibodies remained positive. Is that typical? My spleen and liver were slightly enlarged, though they returned to normal after about one or two months, along with my liver function tests.
I should also mention that over the last few months, I've battled infections including E. coli, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma, which eventually led to reactive arthritis. Additionally, I am a significant hypochondriac by nature; early on, I even suspected an HIV infection, despite the fact that my boyfriend is a regular blood donor and is completely safe. Within the last two months, while undergoing these tests, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder due to excessive stress. I am also a dedicated bodybuilder and train regularly. If any of that is relevant. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
Does anyone actually know what a "TOTAL PROTEIN" result implies? I’m looking at these lab reports and honestly, it’s infuriating—it doesn't even indicate whether the value is high or low. It just sits there without any context.
Well, here I am again, fresh from my appointment with the rheumatologist. It looks like I’m headed back into the lab for a round of testing—throat swabs, nasal swabs, and yet another cervical swab to check for Chlamydia, Ureaplasma, and Mycoplasma... plus urine samples and all that fun. My doctor is leaning heavily toward a diagnosis of reactive arthritis. As it turns out, I tested positive for Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma at a 10 out of 5 level, though the Chlamydia came back negative. The physician suggests that this whole reactive situation was likely triggered by those two specific bacteria, which in turn caused a flare-up of my Escherichia levels. I actually thought I had finally put the Escherichia behind me after finishing a full course of Doxycycline, so now I have to wait for the follow-up results to confirm. The doctor maintains that a full recovery is entirely possible, provided I remain patient through the process. During the visit, I had to perform several physical maneuvers to gauge my pain levels and range of motion; however, I found it quite easy to perform deep squats, and none of the specific movements she requested—like walking on my toes or heels, or various knee and back exercises—caused me any discomfort whatsoever. My labs look mostly solid: my immunoglobulins are normal and everything else seems perfect, aside from a slightly elevated TSH. Despite all this medical chatter, I am still hitting the gym regularly; I haven't felt the need to scale back my intensity at all, and my doctor even reassured me that I can continue my training regimen. Honestly, I think I’m just getting worked up and frustrated with myself more than anything else. I have to go back for a follow-up in six weeks.
Well, I thought I should weigh in here. I just finished up a whole new battery of tests ordered by my rheumatologist—everything from immunoglobulins and iron levels to various swabs, hormones, and thyroid antibodies. My TSH came back at 4.98, which is slightly elevated. They sent me off to nuclear medicine for an ultrasound, but everything there looked perfectly normal; my antibodies and other thyroid hormones are within the standard range too. The doctor is convinced that my pain isn't being triggered by any thyroid issues. However, the results from my swabs just came in, and they were positive for Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. Has anyone else here dealt with this specific combination before?
Charles Gomez2 said:Please, do let us know! I'm asking anyone who has seen even the slightest progress—even if it seems trivial—to please share, because honestly, I don't have anyone else to talk to about this... nobody understands because I look perfectly fine on the outside. I actually had Chlamydia a few years ago, which was the starting point for all of this, and when the Escherichia showed up, things just seemed to escalate. I've been with the same partner consistently and we always use protection, so I'm not entirely sure how I contracted it... everyone carries these things, they just manifest differently for different people, so I suppose it's just one of those things fate throws at you...🙂 I'll say it again, I was messaging a woman on another forum whose husband went through a terrible time with massive swelling, but he eventually recovered completely. She said the treatment lasted over six months, but now they barely even remember that awful period, which gives me hope, even if I'm not thrilled about swallowing those three large orange pills twice a day without even knowing exactly what they are...😢
Is your partner undergoing treatment? It is absolutely vital that she gets a cervical swab just to be safe; otherwise, you might think you're cured, only to find yourselves playing a constant game of "pass the bacteria" after every intimate encounter. Furthermore, I would strongly suggest repeating the lab tests at least twice, as a negative result can often be a false positive. On another note, have you considered seeking a second opinion from a different rheumatologist? Perhaps a different specialist could prescribe a medication that actually aligns with your specific needs. From what I understand, reactive issues typically flare up for about six months before receding... In more severe cases, they may resurface every few months or years, but even that is manageable with the right approach.🙂
Charles Gomez2 said:Does anyone have any updates to share?
I’m still taking Sulfasalazine (Salazopyrin), but nothing seems to be changing... I was wondering if anyone knows if this medication is considered a cytostatic drug or not, since I know Methotrexate is used for arthritis too...
So, I went to see my rheumatologist, and I promised I'd keep you posted. She examined my joints, though to be fair, I wasn't feeling much pain—even during deep squats, knee exercises, wrist movements, or heavy lifting. She told me not to start panicking prematurely. When I mentioned the Escherichia findings, she suspected Rea, so she ordered more tests, specifically looking for certain antibodies. On top of that, she insisted I visit a gynecologist to test for Ureaplasma and Chlamydia. It feels a bit unnecessary since I'm not seeing multiple partners, but she insisted she had to rule everything out. I should have all the results back in about ten days. Has anyone else here dealt with these specific bacteria?
p.s. Reactive arthritis is curable, and even in the most severe cases, the prognosis remains quite positive; you just have to be persistent and give your body enough time to repair the damage caused by those bacteria. The key is maintaining good hygiene, a healthy diet, and keeping up with a reasonable level of physical activity, along with regular checkups. I realize not everyone can afford it—very few people can—but in my opinion, it is far better to book a private specialist to resolve things quickly rather than waiting for the public healthcare system to finally find an opening for you three months down the line. Health is the ultimate priority. I'll check back in once I have news.
Alright folks, I finally have my lab results back in hand... so here is the breakdown:
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 2 (normal range is 4-24) CRP is 0.3 (normal range is 0.0 to 5.0) White blood cell count is fine Fibrinogen levels are normal Hemoglobin is within range Iron is elevated at 36 Rheumatoid factor is 0.10 (normal range is 0.0 to 14) Waaler Rose is negative My AST is sitting at 400... Urinalysis came back sterile—no Escherichia present—but my joints are still acting up, even though they’ve been bothering me since day one🙂
Does anyone actually know what a standard AST level should be? Does anyone here have any insight into what an elevation like this might signify?
I am absolutely convinced that you need to consume everything high in Iron, though unfortunately, red meat is off the table. You really ought to be loading up on as much fish and fish oil as possible—plenty of Omega-3s and even pineapple, since it acts as an anti-inflammatory. My own daily routine involves magnesium, Iron, a B-complex, Vitamin C, and as much fruit and vegetables as I can manage. I make a concerted effort to cut back on sugar, wheat, coffee, and things of that nature. But honestly, damn it, we are only human after all. Let’s just hope we can finally put an end to this ordeal. I am also certain that physical activity is non-negotiable; if nothing else, you should at least go for a thirty-minute run or hit the gym to strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints. You cannot let yourself slide! It will get better. As for reactive cases, I have read that recovery is possible even in the most severe instances. In the worst-case scenario, you might experience bouts of pain every few years or so, but it doesn't cause permanent deformities or loss of function. Take my cousin for example—she recovered completely with zero lasting consequences, acting as if she had never suffered from it at all. We just need to rid ourselves of the little beasts that plague us, and everything will be fine. Drink plenty of herbal teas and stay hydrated. Good luck once again; I’ll check back in as soon as I get my lab results the day after tomorrow and return from seeing the rheumatologist. Wish me luck—if this turns out to be arthritis, I truly hope it is at least reactive to this damn Escherichia.🤔😵
Charles Gomez2 said:That's fine, thank you. And please, don't be a stranger—once you've seen the doctor, I'd love to hear what they had to say, especially if they mention anything about reactive arthritis...
I will, absolutely. On a related note, my little cousin dealt with strep throat that actually migrated to her joints. It was like every single part of her body was aching, but her knee specifically became quite inflamed. She was on some medications—I'm not entirely certain which ones myself, though I can try to look them up if you'd like, but even she doesn't recall because it's all passed now. She’s back to being a hyperactive kid, just needs a bit of time to fully recover; besides, she isn't particularly mindful of her diet and is carrying quite a bit of extra weight for her age. I do remember that her AST levels were significantly low during that reactive phase.
Charles Gomez2 said:Well, honestly, in the beginning, I didn't even realize anything was actually wrong... it was just that my joints would ache so much that I couldn't even manage a firm handshake without struggling, and it felt similar in other places too, but since the pain always seemed to fade after two or three days, I didn't think much of it. However, once my knees started aching so intensely that simply standing up from a chair became a struggle, I realized this wasn't normal at all... so I tried cutting out all animal products, which isn't exactly easy, along with all white flour, sugar, dairy, salt, and oil, but even after two months of such a strict diet, I didn't feel any real improvement, which led me to see a doctor, even though nothing was swollen, hot, or red, and she mentioned that the condition is still in its early stages...
Anyway, I wish you nothing but the best with your ongoing treatment and truly hope you make a 100% recovery. Thank you for sharing your insights; I’m really hoping that if this turns out to be arthritis, it's just the reactive kind, especially since medications can take quite a while to actually kick in. For instance, I don't feel pain when I squeeze my hands, nor does it hurt when I touch or even apply heavy pressure to the joints themselves. It's more of this strange, migratory, wandering ache. My knees are a bit more sensitive, but it's nowhere near the level of being unable to stand up or squat normally. This has been my reality for the last month. I have an appointment scheduled with a rheumatologist next Thursday, so we'll see what the verdict is. My AST, Waaler Rose, and LR results were all finalized the day before yesterday.