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Positive ANA - Worried

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Posted 10/17/2013 6:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Just came across this community after searching a bit of info on ANA testing.

I had a bit of a virus a fever for 24 hrs my whole family was unwell over a two week period.  But then my hands and wrist hurt so much, after few days I went to GP who did some bloods,  it came back with positive ANA nucleolar pattern (Titre 1:1280).

My pain in my hands stopped after 6 days today, just completely disappeared with no pain at all, this was a few days after the bloods were done.

I have Coeliac Disease so understand I am at an increase risk of other autoimmune diseases but now I am terrified of lupus, I have an appointment with a Rheumatologist but the waiting game is killing me and my anxiety is sky high.

I guess over the last year or so I have had a slight muscle pain in my thighs but after some physio/bowen is improved.  I have had a frozen shoulder sort of thing for a couple of days twice in the last year, I also suffer headaches occasionally and other food intolerances.

Thanks

Lisa

 

Post Edited (Lisa79) : 10/17/2013 5:30:22 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/17/2013 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lisa79 :-)I'm hoping I can help put your mind at ease some. I had a positive ANA titer of 1:1280 Homogenous pattern. I was very worried also...
The pattern is what gives the rheumatologist an idea as to what kind of autoimmune disease to test for and helps them to know what additional blood work to run. If its any consolation at all my ENA screening panel (blood work) that the rheumatologist ran on me, came back negative for everything, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and other connective tissue disease. Now they just test me every six months to make sure nothing changes. I also have joint pain, muscle pain, headaches etc. I wonder if the coeliac disease you mentioned you have could be the reason for your positive ANA? Its something worth asking your rheumatologist about. Please keep us posted. Best wishes :-)
Posted 10/18/2013 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your reply, its great to hear, I am terrified, I am off to see a rheumatologist this afternoon. I know I wont find out much today, but he will be ordering more tests etc.

I already suffer anxiety so this has really caused so much anxiety. I am pleased to hear you have been ok, gives me hope thank you.

I will post my updates :)

Thanks

Post Edited (Lisa79) : 10/17/2013 7:57:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/18/2013 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
If you'll read the "resources" thread at the top of this forum it contains information on what ANA patterns are suggestive of what illness.

Lupus and many other auto-immune diseases ARE NOT diagnosed by blood tests!!! You can have symptoms and no blood indications and be diagnosed. Blood is only one of the 11 possible symptoms that indicate lupus -- and only if 3 other symptoms are also present.

Check out the links in my signature for more information. I hope your rheumy appt was helpful -- let us know!
Posted 10/18/2013 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lisa:

Lynnwood gave you some good advice about lupus. I've had it for over 26 years now, and have it really bad. People can test positive with an ANA just because they've had a virus. If you looked at the symptoms that go with lupus and you find that you don't have any or even 4 of the 11, I wouldn't be worried at all.

My daughter has had a positive ANA with joint pain and rashes since she was six and still hasn't been DX'd with lupus. She will be 21 in Feb and her last Rheumy visit her labs were normal. Could they explain why all these years positive Nope.

There are many things that do cause an ANA to be positive, so I hope that the Rheumy appointment went well today and that the Doctor was able to calm your anxiety over lupus. I'm not a Doctor but it really didn't sound like you're dealing with lupus.

I wish you the best and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask away.

Hugs,
Barbara
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