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1.160 ANA Result - I'm scared!

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Posted 1/30/2013 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
After having lots of health problems within the last few months, I was told I had IBS, because I had diarrhea, gastritis. Several doctors brushed me off and said "I was fine" and I finally went to see an internist and he asked a whole bunch of question. I just got a call from the office and they said that my ANA was at 1.160 which is really high and they are referring me to rheumotologist. I'm really scared guys. I'm 31 years old and I have a daughter, who is my world. I am trembling with fear. I had a friend die of lupus at the age of 19 years old in 1998 and now I'm overcome with fear that I may leave my child motherless. I've probably had this for years. My doctor just figured I was a sickly person. I would have protein in my urine from time to time. I have a low thyroid and endometriosis and it's all adding up now. I have something auto immune. Any comforting words out there would be so much appreciated.
Posted 1/30/2013 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Roxxy,

Welcome to our forum, I'm sorry to hear that you have multiple health issues and are worried and scared. Let me say to you that you need to take a deep breath and not get yourself worked up to bad yet.

I'm sorry about your friends passing and I can understand your worries. I've had lupus for 25 years now and lupus varies from patient to patient. Your ANA actually isn't really high. A normal ANA is considered 1:40, low positive 1:80, next would be 1:160, 1:320, and they double on up from there. I know many friends with lupus with much much higher numbers. There are several other tests that need to be looked at. Just having a positive ANA doesn't mean you have lupus for sure.

It's good you're going to see a Rheumy, make a journal of any and all symptoms you may currently have or have had. They will run loads of blood work and examine you over.

Lupus is the diease of 1,000 faces and like I said some have mild lupus and some severe. Having lupus isn't a death sentence like it used to be considered. Medicine has improved and Drs are much better equipped to control our disease. Some need meds and others don't or very little.

Stress is one of the worst things for us,so try to not stress yourself to much, wait and see what the Dr has to say. If you have any questions ask away, there are many good folks here with loads of knowledge.

I'm sorry you're not doing well, but try not to worry to much. If you haven't done so check out lupus.org it has lots of helpful info.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 1/30/2013 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Barbara! Your words are very comforting. I start thinking ahead. What if I lose my job, medical insurance to treat for whatever it is I have. My daughter is only 10. I just fear the unknown and Lupus can be very unpredictable. I am glad that there is a forum that allows me to vent. It's a scary time. My family and friends have been hearing me complain the last couple of months about my health issues. Always asking "how are you feeling now?" and I can't say "better", which is normally the case with a common illness. I hate feel like I'm being a whiner and am a very independent single mother. At first I had Crohns disease because of all the digestive issues but now the joints in my hand are aching. Thanks for listening Barbara!
Posted 1/30/2013 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hang in there, Roxxy. I was in your position 2 years ago when I was told I had Lupus. I've learned a lot about it over these last 2 years and I've learned it's not a death sentence as long as you take good care of yourself.

Try not to panic over the future. Think about the now.
First try to get some kind of long term disability insurance. This is a good cushion to help during the rough times that you can't work.
Next it's okay to find someone to confide in-therapist, clergy, support group (like here). I come here and also talk to a psychologist.

Hang in there.
Posted 1/30/2013 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, Joy. I've been seeing a therapist because of all the doctors who told me that I did t have anything drove crazy. There was something clearly wrong with my body. I go to church and have a good family support.i think this forum will be a big help. It's reassuring having people who can relate. Thanks again!
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