High ANA but negative inflammatory markers/starting Methotrexate

hpymomof3

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2011

Posts : 66

Posted 9/19/2017 4:26 AM (GMT 0)

My rheumatologist has been treating me with Humira for seronegative ankylosing spondylitis. Since I've had positive ANA continually for several years and I also have other symptoms so she still suspects I have more going on and at times has considered Lupus. Up until recently my ANA hasn't been that high. Yesterday though it came back 1:1280, although my inflammatory markers and those for Lupus still come back negative. My sed rate is only slightly elevated. My doctor is diagnosing me with inflammatory arthritis and wants me to add Methotrexate. I'm a bit nervous about taking it due to possible side effects, although she is also putting me on folic acid. Would you start on the Methotrexate? Also I know that a positive ANA doesn't necessarily mean anything but can it be that high and also continuously be positive and not indicate anything?

BreRosie

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2016

Posts : 69

Posted 9/19/2017 10:57 AM (GMT 0)

I can't tell you if your high ana means anything but I can tell you about my experience on methotrexate. I've been on it for almost a year and it has helped me a lot. I take the pill form. I take it once a week and I take 800 mg of folic acid everyday. The day after I take it I tend to feel extra achy and tired, like I'm coming down with something. I usually spend most of the next day resting and then I feel fine the day after. I get blood work done every 3 months because it can be bad for your liver. It has helped tremendously for me. I have lupus and before taking the methotrexate I was flaring all the time . I haven't had a flare in months. Hope this helps atleast a little and best of luck to you!!

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