Question:

Recently, I had a battery of blood tests (normal CBC) which included a slightly elevated ESR and a slightly elevated, speckled ANA. My doctor says this is suggestive of an auto-immune disorder, but could likely be the result of having my gallbladder removed in May of this year. I would be interested in your thoughts. I also have developed small capillary bleeds under the skin, primarily on my chest and trunk. Thank you for your help.

Answer:

Thank you for visiting NetWellness. On this site, we try to answer general questions about health but cannot diagnose or recommend treatment. You appear to have some very, very specific questions about your condition, which can only be answered properly by a physician who is familiar with your history, physical exam, and test results. Your questions about the testing results you’ve been given or the risks, benefits, and alternatives for proposed treatments of this condition need to be directed to your treating physician(s). You should insist that they answer these questions in a way that you are able to understand before consenting to any treatment. If your physician is unable to help you understand these issues, you should get a second opinion. Take care.

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Go to the Arthritis and Rheumatism health topic.