HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Pos ANA + ASMA

Support Forums
>
Hepatitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/15/2012 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I used to post in the fibromyalgia forum, then the Lyme forum, here on HW. My fibro case has been atypical due to low-grade fevers that started after the last of four influenza illnesses in 2000. Then I was diagnosed with Lyme (late stage) and babesiosis in 2006. I also developed GERD with a moderate hitatal hernja which may be the cause of the bouts of moderate to severe nausea. Other top symptoms are joint pain, back pain, and terrible fatigue. I also developed a bad hand tremor diagnosed as essential tremor.

My recent blood work resulting from a physical showed a weak positive ASMA (>1:20) and a weak positive ANA 1:80 nucleolar pattern. Also, my EKG showed sinus bradycardia at 54bpm. My previous thought I may have Lupus which is why the ANA was tested.

My worry is of course AIH, but I can't understand why my liver enzymes are within normal ranges. I think gamma gt was elevated a couple of years ago. The ANA result is the first positive. The SMA came up the same in 2006.

Can anyone tell me what these results may indicate. I am worried. Thanks so much.
Posted 3/15/2012 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Welcom to the Hepatitis forum.

One our moderator will be along soon...and they know more about autoimmune issues than I do.

Interestinly enough. Though few AIH patients generally post, I have noticed there are a large number of views. So this conversation is important.

My daughter, like you, is sesrching for a clear dx and a regime that mitigates how she feels some days. She also has long time Lyme disease issues

Come often to share your successes in tracking down a dx and care plan.

Best,
CAROL

Post Edited (MamaLama) : 3/15/2012 10:02:21 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/15/2012 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to our forum Spaztick,

I'm not sure you should be fretting about AIH just yet. ANA are generally positive with a result of 1:160. 1:80 is common in Lyme patients and about 5% of the normal population are positive. The ASMA is weak positive too. Will they be retesting you in a few months? Since you liver enzymes are normal, I don't see the reason to stress out yet.
Posted 3/15/2012 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you!
Posted 3/15/2012 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Spaz,

Ive seen you over on the lyme forum - I also have elevated ASMA and elevated ALT and have had similar concerns over AIH. The good news is both seem to be coming down after treatment with doxy, albeit slowly. My ASMA peaked at 360, now down to 80. Watch this space.

Hugh
Posted 3/15/2012 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hugh, I am glad your AMSA has been decreasing. I replied on the Lyme forum also.

I thought I had read that once you have autoimmune antibodies, you always will. But I do suffer from brain fog, and also confused the ant Smith with the ASMA. :-)

Regards, Cara
Posted 3/15/2012 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
I don't see how any of this has to do with hepatitis. Am I missing something?
Posted 3/16/2012 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
David,

Spaztick was worried that with the weak positive ANA and ASMA that it is possible that the issue is AIH (Autoimmune Hepatitis).  Those are both antibodies that are commonly elevated for the condition.

Posted 3/16/2012 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Dany. I didn't see the fit.
Posted 3/16/2012 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
Although I realize the importance of both tests being weakly positive, I believe I failed to mention that my blood work also showed the anti-smooth muscle antibody, same titer, in 2006! Why would I have not mentioned that? I re-read the posts, and why I didn't mention that isn't baffling, unfortunately. Pre-sickness - over ten years ago - my cognition and memory were intact.

I'm being hyper-vigilant because I have been misdiagnosed many times over the years. I am frequently housebound, sometimes bedridden, due to flares of disabling fatigue, moderate to severe nausea, muscle weakness, lightheadedness, headaches and low-grade fevers.

Thank you all for your input.

Cara
Posted 3/16/2012 11:03 AM (GMT 0)
Cara,

From what I have read, your plight re: dx is pretty typical. You need a room full of doctors, each with part of the picture, sometimes unable to create a single picture of your problem.  My daughter has the same -- her problem with connective tissue has sent her to orthopedic specialists (each with a different joint under their command) --shoulders, hips, knees.  She had a knee replacement at 36 and faces hip replacement surgery in the near future.  But can they figure out the not quite out of range labs, put her on a regime that will avert the next disaster.

She finds herself disabled from her paramedic career and often unable to do the most basic tasks.  And then she has a good period and paints the whole house in a week!

I hope for the best for you.

Keep us in the loop!

We hope it is not AIH.

Carol

Posted 3/16/2012 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Cara,

Your ASMA was positive the same year you were diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesiosis...that may be the only issue.  The list of symptoms for chronic Lyme disease is huge!  Especially since your liver enzymes are normal.

Worrying makes everything worse.  I just read this quote this morning on Facebook...maybe it'll help smilewinkgrin

"Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything." -By Mary Hemingway

Posted 3/16/2012 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
But train yourself not to worry.

sounds simple but many people just are not wired that way.

ed

 

Posted 3/16/2012 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Ed,
I hear what you're saying as I am a worrier, generally. However, I work hard at dismissing or at least, understanding where my worry is rooted and change my usual/typical perception. It isn't as hard as you think but it does take effort and recognition that the worry is, more than likely, an overreaction. When it hits, acknowledge it, understand it and distract yourself from dwelling on it :-)
Posted 3/18/2012 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, yes! Thank you so much, everybody. You are all right about not worrying. I know it serves no useful purpose, especially when it comes to one's health.

I appreciate you guys mentioning it, and reminding me. Being chronically ill already, getting myself into a worried state only robs me of the present and adds unneeded stress to the body.

Dany: I really like the quote from Mary Hemingway.

Love, Peace, & Healing,
Cara
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply