What does it all mean?

Had recent bloodwork to test for autoimmune disease because of sudden unexplained joint pain and I mentioned to my Dr. about psoriasis-like symptoms of many years. My ANA came back abnormal. It looks like this: ANA positive (abnormal) reference range negative. ANA ttr 1:64, ANA pattern speckled. I have to see a Rheumatologist and I am waiting for a call for an appointment. In the meantime any searches I do with these results the first thing that comes up is Lupus. Not sure what to think and I realize that I need to get to the Rhemy......

The Rheumatologists office said to have my Dr. send all notes from visits, x rays, dexa scans, blood tests and and any results and then they will call me to schedule an appointment. I'm hoping I will get a call this week. It has been a week since I asked my Dr. to do that. I wonder if it's reasonable to think that I should hear from them this week..? Does it usually take a long time to get into see a Rheumatologist?

Well I did not hear anything back today from the Rheumatologist. I live in the Tampa Bay Area, FL. I don't really know what to expect as far as what is a reasonable time to get in for my initial visit. I am left to ponder my blood results and research online, lol. Every time I do a search with my results, Lupus comes up first and foremost. I should probably stop! Although it does seem I have something going on autoimmune- wise I think it could be psoriatic arthritis because I have had psoriasis like rashes on my face and scalp since I was a teen and at times photosensitivity in those areas.

I don't know if it would be bad if I call the office and see where they're at in scheduling me or just try to wait patiently.

I know Lynnwood, right?! LOL But they told me to have my Dr. fax the info and then they would call me to make the appointment. You're right, I've never heard such a thing! I will call them tomorrow!

Well I called today and I'm glad I did because they did have my info but they hadn't called me yet. So my appointment is September 24th. I sure wish it were sooner because it just gives me more time to worry and do all of my internet searching. I really am not letting it bother me too much but when I read "1:64 is considered very high and tissue damage is imminent" it worries me because one of the reasons I even had the testing done is a joint/knuckle suddenly became very painful and although it has been a couple of weeks and it has gotten a lot better, it still hurts and I still don't have the flexibility I had before.

I usually don't wish for time to pass but the sooner Sept 24th gets here, the better! :)

1:62 is NOT "very high" and the ANA titer DOES NOT reflect any level of disease activity anyway. High would be something like 1:640 or 1:1280. But like I said, that doesn't really mean anything as it has nothing to do with the level of disease activity. I don't know where you read that about tissue damage being eminent but it doesn't make any sense.

Do you have any treatments from the primary care Dr while you wait for the rheumy? If not, you may want to try an anti-inflammatory diet (basically low sugar, low carbs) or taking ibuprofen - either will reduce inflammation which is probably what is making your joints hurt.

Finally my appointment is next week early in the morning on Thursday. My appointment time is 7:30am and I start work at 8:30. I just realized that I should let work know that I may be late because I really do not know what to expect on my first appointment. Does anyone know what happens and how long will the first appointment be? I have a list of things to tell the doctor about that I have been experiencing for many years and I have recent things to add. I think I will have to go for more bloodwork. Is it possible that the bloodwork will be drawn at that appointment?

Any other pointers or information about the first appointment will be helpful for me!

Thanks! :)

I had my initial appointment last week and it was about an hour long. rheumatologist asked went through all symptoms and spent plenty of time entering what I said in her computer....and sent me to take blood same day.
She scheduled me for a follow up 10 days later.