ana screen

Your ANA can fluctuate, not only in numbers, but it can fluctuate between positive and negative. My doc told me that once he sees a positive number, he considers a person to have a positive ANA and doesn't see a need to keep re-testing. However, if you've never had a positive ANA and you continue to have symptoms, it would be a good idea to get tested every so often. My son, who has arthritis, fluctuates between a positive and a negative ANA.

Hi Alex, They've never caught mine negative at the time of testing either. I've only had it tested about 3-4 times . . . but even our meds can help it go down or negative. My rheumy said that each blood test is just a small "slice" of things. It only gives a snap-shot . . . not the whole picture. There are several here who are being treated for lupus who have never had a positive ANA. Is your doctor treating your symptoms?? Blessings!

My ANA was really high but I don't know the numbers. I also had a positive RF. My Rheumy kept running the ANA and he kept saying it was "significantly positive" I've been on Plaquenil 400 mg since last November and then he put me on a 3 month trial of Imuran. After being on the Imuran my ANA came back negative, at which point he says" I'm not convinced we're dealing with an inflammatory AI condition", at the same time my hands were swollen, red and hot to the touch. Needless to say, I am no longer seeing that particular Rheumy. From what I hear finding a good doctor is the toughest part of any chronic illness. My PCP is great and addresses each problem with concern as to how it affects my daily life. Thank God I found him. I wish you the best of luck.

Hester that is a great question to ask. Yes, once you've started treatment, the meds can mask what is going on. Only because you're starting to get better!!  So, even if you don't have a definitive diagnosis, if the treatment is working and your labs are coming back improved or much better, that is a terrific indicator to you and your doctor that the treatment was neccessary. 

 

I think it's really important for everyone who is waiting on a name for this illness you have, to know that if the name Lupus never gets used or put in your chart, it doesn't mean you don't have it, it might also mean that you have a mixture of inflammatory disorders that overlap each other.  That's called MCTD or mixed connective tissue disease.  I know it's important to have a name for your illness, but when you're dealing with these types of AI diseases, sometimes MCTD or UCTD (undifferentiated connective tissue disease) will be used instead of just Lupus. Regardless of what the name ends up being, the treatment is the same.

 

 

thank you ginny for the answer to my question.  It would make sense for this to be true.  And I am guessing maybe the doctor will test me again too.  And if it is a better result, it will mean I am getting better.  And Lord knows I would be most thankful if I could only get better. especially this brain fog.

Hester

ginny said...
Hester that is a great question to ask. Yes, once you've started treatment, the meds can mask what is going on. Only because you're starting to get better!!  So, even if you don't have a definitive diagnosis, if the treatment is working and your labs are coming back improved or much better, that is a terrific indicator to you and your doctor that the treatment was neccessary. 

 

I think it's really important for everyone who is waiting on a name for this illness you have, to know that if the name Lupus never gets used or put in your chart, it doesn't mean you don't have it, it might also mean that you have a mixture of inflammatory disorders that overlap each other.  That's called MCTD or mixed connective tissue disease.  I know it's important to have a name for your illness, but when you're dealing with these types of AI diseases, sometimes MCTD or UCTD (undifferentiated connective tissue disease) will be used instead of just Lupus. Regardless of what the name ends up being, the treatment is the same.