Question for Lupus sufferers

I have a close friend who is going thru some odd symptoms. She has had a bunch of tests and so far, none for Lupus but was starting to think this is a possibility.?? She has most symptoms listed online except a rash. Can anyone here tell me if that always means anything or can you have Lupus and NOT have this rash? I guess what im asking is having a rash ALWAYS part of the symptoms? Thanks Tons Marie

You absolutely can have lupus without a rash.  Also, you can have lupus without a positive ANA on a blood test.  (The ratio goes up and down.. and can show as normal one month, and high another) I don't have a rash anywhere NEAR what any photos online show.  Usually it's just a mild pinking around my nose and cheekbones, and is often mistaken for "getting some sun".   Best of luck for your friend. 

There are other tests that are definitive for lupus.  Your friend's doctor will know whether or not to refer to a rheumatologist (the doctor who evaluates for autoimmune disorders such as lupus).

What are the tests (she asks).

I was just diagnosed with an auto immune disease that is similar to Lupus, it's called Myasthenia Gravis. Is she falling? difficult to lift arms or legs? double vision? slurred speech?
The doctors thought Lupus at first too but did several test and it wasn't. I don't have rashes either so maybe it's another auto immune disorder, there are many that we don't even know about until someone that we know or someone tells us about them.

Lupus is a difficult diagnosis to make, even when obvious symptoms are present. Most tests that are done to determine this condition are blood tests - the ANA test, white blood cell count, etc. However, you have to have something like 5 symptoms of 8 probable symptoms for a doctor to make the diagnosis.

I first presented symptoms when I was around 21 (I am 50 now).  The doctors suspected it, but could not definitely say it was lupus. I lived a pretty symptom-free life for many years. Then in 2003, I got meningitis, and was hospitalized for 2 weeks. That was most likely triggered from my compromised immune system. Then in 2005, I developed a blood clot on my kidney. Again, I was hospitalized for 2 weeks and have been on blood thinners since then.  Hopefully no other life-threatening events will occur.  I have systemic lupus, which affects your body's organs and systems. I never had the 'butterfly rash'. The discoid lupus is the version that affects the skin and most often cause skin rashes.