Case Study

A 20-year-old female, living in a small rural town, suddenly began feeling fatigued, anxious and heart palpitations, she also has 2 young children. Her doctor recommends rest and help for caring for her two small children.

Symptoms worsen and then gradually resolve. Encouraged by family to rest and reduce stress. Approximately, 2 years after initial symptoms, she begins to have abdominal discomfort. Seen then by a Gl specialist, thought to be an issue with her gallbladder because of her age and symptoms. Advised to adhere to a low fat diet and in crease physical activity.

Five years after the initial symptoms began, she becomes pregnant with her third child. During the sixth month of her pregnancy, she begins to experience problems. She has premature contractions, increased fatigue, headaches, and swelling in her legs. Placed on bedrest, premature labor but delivers a healthy baby girl. Soon after the birth of her third child, her ankles and knees begin to swell and edema is noted bilaterally. She also complains of joint pain in her ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers. She also reports intolerance to cold.

Seen by a Rheumatologist, labs as follows ANA positive (1:640), LE Cell prep negative, rheumatoid factor negative, sed Rate 62 mm/hr. Rheumatologist reports that he cannot be sure of her condition but is not ruling out Lupus, prescribes naproxen. The following year, she experiences a strange red, raised rash with itching. She goes to see another rheumatolo gist, who examines her and obtains lab work -

Results - ANA 1:640, Anti-DNA antibody: elevated, RBC 3.8, hemoglobin 10.5, hematocrit 35%, platelets 138,000, WBC 6,000 What is the most likely diagnosis in this young woman? Provide rationale for your diagnosis.

Comment on time taken to provide diagnosis - provide management/treatment plan, also comment on physical and psychological experiences associated with diagnosis.

APA style essay