Posted 10/18/2014 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
im so confused about my blood test and diagnosis. ive suffered intense chronic pain for 2 years now it started in my upper back and shoulders and then went to my hips, elbows, wrist, ankles and knees finally my toes and fingers. started in my upper body and finally went to my low body with the largest joints effected first. the only visible swelling i have is in my elbows and mildly in my wrists that come and go. i have joint pain in every joint but the swelling is mild usually aside from my elbows with no visible swelling anywhere else. i also have intense muscle spasms in my neck and shoulder blades.
my blood test revealed i have the hla b27 gene indicating ankylosing spondylitis however there was no fusion yet in my spine to prove it and the pain started in my upper back rather then the hips.
my blood test also revealed RA factor of 15 (normal 1-14) and an ANA 1:160 low positive. Sed rate was 41 (normal 0-20 ) C reactive protein was normal and i didnt have any antibodies for any auto immune disease.
the ana and the ra factor is always negative in someone with ankylosing spondylitis unless there is a second disease present. i spoke with my rheumatologist and he originally thought i might have lupus as well but all my antibodies and blood test were neg for lupus. he told me i did not have rheumatoid arthritis along with AS and diagnosed me with AS and fibromyalgia and said the
ANA level of 1:160 can be present in up to 5 percent of healthy people. i do NOT believe i have fibro. i do believe my symptoms are a result of the abnormalities. the ankylosing spondylitis generally causes arthritis of the hips and spine and can cause tendonitis or inflammation in the eye. at the onset of my disease i had inflammation of my eye and i do have severe tendonitis but instead of fibro i do think i have RA. i was wondering if someone who has RA could tell me what they think about my blood test and my borderline positive ANA and RA factor of 15 and my high sed rate is enough to prove it or not? my C reactive protein is always .5 (normal .1-.8)
thank you