Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Questions about lupus testing

February 28, 2020 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello again, Mrs. Gehring. Today I had another examination in Tübingen due to my lupus. If anything were to be noticeable, they would contact me today... so there might be a follow-up question regarding this if there is anything, to also seek your helpful advice... Hopefully this won't be necessary.

Now I have a question about the procedure of the examination - which was as usual, but the doctor was very cautious regarding the lupus - he mentioned that blood tests every 4-5 months were far too infrequent, every 4 weeks would be especially advisable because of the Azathioprine, I then said that this was new to me or I only knew this from the beginning, I have been taking it for 4-5 years. I would like to ask you now, what do you think is correct in this situation?

Regarding the Corona virus (I work as a mini-jobber at a checkout), he reassured me (although I must say that I am actually not too worried about it)... it might not be a bad idea to consider a change to the store instead of the checkout, due to my immunosuppression. Otherwise, I can't remember ever having the flu anyway. He said he considers the risk to be low or if someone really gets it, he doesn't expect a severe course in my case either. What do you think, do I have more reason to worry with lupus?

Then he briefly mentioned my elevated CK value from September (318 or so)... they will check that again today - but back then, I had muscle soreness from playing soccer! Still, there is slight concern - I do not have muscle weakness or pain, only my joints hurt in the morning (at least I think it's the joints and not the muscles in my fingers). Could there be something worse behind this or should I not have unnecessary fears again?

Thank you, that would be all, hopefully not too much. Greetings

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good morning,

Please excuse the late response. However, these are three questions that have nothing to do with each other!

I know rheumatologists who actually take blood values every four weeks permanently. Most of the time, patients eventually resist, so we then agree on 3 months. I think 4 to 5 is too little.

We don't know a lot about Coronavirus, and I think you may be at a higher risk. However, your age protects you. At the checkout, you have a good distance from the customer, I wouldn't change that. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

With muscle soreness, the CK value is always elevated.

Warm regards,
Dr. Gehring