Positive to Negative ANA means no UCTD/Lupus?

I think I'm going to go nuts before this is all figured out.  I saw my rheumie today.  Took the records showing that the latest ANA result (done by the Doc who id'd the Celiac)  was negative.  I started Plaquenil in December.  It came down from 1:1280 to 1:640 in the spring; then to 1:320 in August and finally, to negative in mid October.  I asked her if she thought this negative  result was on account of the Plaquenil or the gluten free diet.  She said she didn't know, then proceeded to tell me that if the remaining tests, which she ran  again today, (and I don't remember all the names) for Lupus, RA, Sjogren's etc. are also negative - then "I no longer have a connective tissue disease".  Huh?  

Does this make sense to anyone?  On top of that, I saw her because in spite of my ANA now being negative, my CRP has been climbing from 7.8 to 13.0 and WBC's have fallen to the low 4's (in 6 wks time) and I've been flaring and feeling poorly.  Oy - not sure if I'm even making any sense right now, but any thoughts would be appreciated.  She suggested a shot of cortisone, which I didn't jump at, so ended up with samples of lidocain patches.  I'm confused and frustrated - though I know so many of you are struggling with much bigger fish right now -  this being small potatoes in comparison - and honestly - I don't know how you do it (though I definitely appreciate and admire your attitudes!)   There seem to be so many questions and so few answers. 

Do I need to be looking for a new rheumy.....or am I "cured"  presuming  no other positive tests turn up)?   She didn't say anything about stopping Plaquenil, if so - and I forgot to ask.   Ok - done.  If you read this far - thank you.

Lucy

Lucy,

Test results are important but do not always indicate whether the disease is active or in remission...usually, but not always.  How you feel is sometimes a better indicator.

As for cured?  No one can say that just because your numbers are negative.  A good sign but only time will tell if you are truly in remission or not.  I have been asymptomatic for 4 years but I am neither cured nor technically in remission (no symptoms, no meds).  Being in remission is not the same as being cured and right now there is no cure.

Some of us will go into permanent remission but only on the last day of your life do you know that for sure.

Don't mean to be negative, just realistic.  I concur that you need a new rheumy...one that is experienced with AI diseases and can communicate with you.

Bill

Thanks Redrose, Bill and Stacie - you've confirmed my thinking on the matter.  But, oh, what a bugger to have to find a new rheumy!  Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Lucy

Oh thanks for that, Sue - I'm right there with you - if only I could think that fast when my jaw is hanging open in astonishment.  When I think of the time, energy and money wasted on this doc over a 2 1/2 yr period (which includes a 2 hour round trip for each appt.) I just want to scream.....so thanks for being "pissy" as you called it- it helped!

If anyone knows of a GOOD rheumatologist specializing in CTD's/Lupus in the Columbus/Dayton/Cincinnati Ohio area, I'd love to hear about them. 

To better days for all!

Lucy