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Possitive ANA results

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Posted 5/15/2009 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hello I have had a trail of lab work done lately. My first ANA test showed 1:60 and I was ordered more lab work. The next ANA test showed titer of 1:40 pattern speckled, I was possitive on the ANA HEp-2 substrate. I am being referred to another rhm the first one I went to was very disrespectful and told me this is all my fault and that after ten minutes with talking with me he states I don't have Lupus but I have fibromyalgia, I just broke down because once again another dx with no real thought, he told me that he would not prescribe pain meds and if that is what I am seeking then he is not the Dr for me, he had insulted me in many ways but in the end he ordered another round of labs, which again some showed possitive.

I went to see my family Dr and she agreed that he was way out of line and is now sending me to another Dr.

I have felt very tired and sick 3 weeks out of a month and pain for 11yrs I am now 41 and I feel as though I am 60 something.

Does this sound familar to anyone, does the possitive ANA and the ANA HEp-2 substrate and the symptoms sound like lupus? I just want a dx to say hey this is not in your head.

Thank you

Posted 5/16/2009 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Crazy . . . welcome to the forum. We are said to have Lupus when meet 4 of 11 criteria (not symptoms). The list is available through Lupus.org and there is a link at the end of my signature with some other helpful links. Lupus mimics so many other disease that it is very hard to read a post and determine if someone has lupus. You do have a very low positive on the ANA. Most lupans have a very high positive ANA . . . but one can have lupus with a negative ANA. . . and there are some here who have very active Lupus w/o positive ANA. Lots of members here have fibro AND lupus. There is a fibro board on this forum too and it would be helpful to know lots about fibro in case you do have it. It can be extremely painful all by itself. One of the meds that used to treat lupus (prednisone) can make fibro worse . . . so its important to understand both disease if you are suspected of fibro. Its good that you have another rheumy lined up. It can take a very long time for the doctors to put the puzzle together and rule out or diagnose Lupus. So its a long game of patience. Hang in there. You've got the next step lined up!! Keep us posted! Blessings!
Posted 5/16/2009 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Crazy,

You're in a tough spot - we call it diagnosis limbo - and finding the right rheumy is important. Most of us went through a list of rheumys before we found one we can relate to and who treats us with dignity. I love men -- I have two wonderful sons and the world's best husband -- but I like women doctors, especially for a chronic disease. My doctors, both women, have patience and compassion and as a patient with a chronic disease, that helps a lot. Any time I went to a doctor who acted as though I was imagining my pain and fatigue, I went straight to another doctor. Keep looking till you find the right one.

I suspected that I had lupus for 15 years before I got a diagnosis, and I promise you, whether or not your fatigue and sickness is due to lupus or something else, I urge you to keep a journal of your symptoms and don't stop searching for answers till you find them.

I know what you mean about being 40 and feeling 60. I'm 60 and sometimes feel like I'm 80. But I do lead a fairly normal life.

Take care and let us know how you like your next rheumy. This forum is a great place for people like you who are looking for answers. I'm glad you're here.

Pat
Posted 5/17/2009 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you both. I feel better knowing that there is something going on ( lab work) and it is not all in my head as for years that is the way I have felt, or I felt as though I was being lazy.

I will keep you posted

P.s they are going to do a nerve conduction test on my left arm it tingles most of the time and pain.

Posted 5/17/2009 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Youre not lazy and you're not crazy!
Posted 5/17/2009 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
hi ... gone cray ... it is not just in your head but probably at some point works its way around your body ... it is called an invisible illness.
FM / SLE ... somethings going on!
sadly, a bad doctor story is one you read often ... but see encouragement to continue and seek new medical counsel when necessary, often a blessing. if choice is an option then go for it! i would even drive to the next town if i run out of good rheumies in my area wink
it is said that ANA results vary with lupus activity, if my understanding is correct your results are *low* ??? altho not only criteria used in dx
rather seek a rheumies dx. and get onto a treatment plan ... sending strength & hugs and reminding you that you are not alone on this journey!

ps: i am 33 going on 63 (i get teased that i sound older than my mum-in-law)

Post Edited (Angel MJ) : 5/17/2009 2:27:23 PM (GMT-6)

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