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Posted 8/28/2013 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
Recently got a positive ANA Test when I was seeing a surgeon for treatment for a torn radial meniscus. Here are the abnormal results from the lab tests:

SEGMENTED NEUTROPHILS 37 L
LYMPHOCYTES 54 H
ANA SCREEN POSITIVE
ANA TITER >=1:1280
ANA PATTERN CENTROMERE

I've been reading that just having a positive ANA test doesn't necessarily mean you have anything, but my Titer number seems to be on the high end so I'm not exactly feeling warm and fuzzy that this is just nothing.

I'm being sent to a specialist to have more tests; I'm on the waiting list there but my appointment isn't for 6 weeks and they say it will take another 6 weeks after that to get all the results. In the mean time my stress is through the roof! I can't sleep, I can't focus at work, I'm overwhelmed with fear and depression - and frustrated that I can't get my knee surgery until they figure out what is going on - so dealing with the knee issue on a daily basis is frustrating too.

Anyone have any experience with these types of numbers? Even if it's bad news - I'd like to have something to research other than just blank fear of the unknown. I don't even know where to begin.

Thanks!
Posted 8/28/2013 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Are you experiencing any of the 11 indicators of Lupus?
The indicators can be found on lupus.com and lupus.org.

Yes, some people have a positive ANA, but I've not heard of it being that high.

Lupus is different for everyone but mostly it involves joint pains, fatigue, fevers, and a tendency to get ill quickly for no reason.

I know it's hard to wait that long for results, but you need not to freak out over the possiblities. Try to distract yourself and not dwell on the what ifs. What will be, will be...

Lupus is not a death sentence. It's just a change in perspective.
Posted 8/28/2013 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
1:1280 is not all that unusual, but it does need to be checked out by a rheumotologist. As Joy (couchtater) says, look at the symptoms of lupus at www.lupus.org. If you aren't already feeling poorly there really isn't any reason for worry. You will need to have 4 of the 11 symptoms of Lupus to be diagnosed, ANA is not a single deciding factor. ANA can be positive for other illnesses - or in the absence of any symptoms it can mean nothing at all.

Remember, all worrying can do is rob you of enjoying today - it won't change any outcomes for the better and can only make you experience worry/stress symptoms which you don't need! Enjoy each day as it comes, and you'll know when you know...

Cheers,
Posted 8/28/2013 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
No, I really have nothing but some severe joint pain in two of my fingers (pinky and thumb on left hand) to where I can't lift heavy things or have any pressure on them, especially my pinky, stiffness in my ankles and hips when I first get up to move around - it gets better as I move, dry skin even with a water softener, and chronic constipation and motility issues. Other than that I really don't have symptoms of anything - and I just turned 50 so I've been thinking this is all just part of getting old - until that test came up. I have always gotten cold easily and I sleep horribly. I nap as often as I can on the weekends, sometimes sleeping almost the whole day away. Drives my husband nuts - but, I work 10 hours a day five days a week and have a 2 hour commute. I'm tired by the end of the week and need to catch up.
Posted 8/29/2013 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I think Lynn and Joy both gave you great advice. I know it's hard to wait on seeing the Doctor and then getting the results back. What I'm hearing you say though is overall you feel pretty good and I would ay that A VERY GOOD THING.

Normally, if a person has lupus they are having problems and feel poorly. Many years back when you'd hear someone had lupus everyone thought it was a death sentence. Today, however that's not the case there are medications to treat patients and patients are living full productive lives. Is that to say there are no folks who are really sick, not there are plenty that are very very ill. Overall, though lupus can be treated and you just have to adjust to a new way of life.

I hope your appointment and tests go well. Keep us posted on what the studies showed. Oh one more thing you mentioned about being so tired and needing naps, have you ever had a sleep study? It's possible you may have sleep apnea. That will cause terrible fatigue, and can make you feel sick. It might be worth mentioning to the Dr especially if you snore when you sleep.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 8/29/2013 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
I've never had a sleep study. I don't snore at all - but I do breathe quite shallowly even while I'm awake, it slows down quite a bit when I'm asleep. Never really considered that to be sleep apnea related but I will mention it to the doctor and look into it more.

It has been so many years since I've slept through the night I don't even know what it feels like.

Thank you for your reply. I will keep you posted.
Posted 9/1/2013 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
Clinical symptoms are more important than lab tests which can be misleading.  Your ana results "suggest" scleroderma but just because you have a high ana with a particular pattern does not mean you have an AI disease.  As others have suggested, even if you have something life will go on.  Possibly with little change and maybe a lot but most AI diseases are treatable.

Pursue your diagnosis but keep in mind that a diagnosis can be elusive for many.  Live your life as best you can in the meantime. 

Bill

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