Positive Ana Blood Test

[Lisa79]

Hi

Its been a while since I was on the board.

 

I had terrible pains in the hands/wrists and knuckles for 6 days, went to the GP who ran some bloods, was tested for RA and it was negative, although It showed positive ANA nucleolar pattern (Titre 1:1280) I have to see a rheumatologist.  I am terrified, the report says positive results are associated with Lupus.  

 

Has anyone else had anything similar ?

 

Thanks

Lisa

  

[Gemini]

Hi Lisa,

      The ANA test is not specific to any one disease.  It is just a very general test for inflammation. I have had elevated ANA for years and it was worse than yours.  I also have elevated Rheumatoid Factor but I have no symptoms of anything new, besides the 4 autoimmune diseases that I already have.  I have been gluten-free for 8 1/2 years and all 4 AI diseases have calmed down and do not bother me that much at all.  I do not have lupus.  I still have elevated test results but that can occur in people with AI diseases so it doesn't necessarily mean that you are popping with another.  However, you do have symptoms that are new so it's worth checking out.  Joint issues can be from many things so please don't be all worried that you have lupus.  There isn't any specific test for lupus, it's more of a combination of testing, symptoms, etc.  I would just go to the Rheumy and see what they suggest....probably more specific blood work. 

 

Good luck and try to relax.......even though I know that is hard at such times.

[SkyBlue4]

I have a +ANA titer. I have been evaluated by several Rheumatologists over the years b/c I also have joint pain along with some other symptoms. They thought I had lupus initially but it has been ruled out thus far. The doctors can only shrug and tell me that people walk around all of the time with an elevated titer and never develop further problems. It is a good idea if you have symptoms to see a Rheumatologist though and make sure it is nothing more concerning. 

[Lisa79]

Thank you for replies, I am an anxious mess, I suffer anxiety most of the time and this fear is just emphasised with my anxiety. 

 

I am lucky I have got into see a rheumatologist Monday. 

 

My test results also shows a possibility of Ross River Virus, but it was inconclusive and a restest is required in 14 days.  I also had a virus the week before, so I am trying to think positive and maybe something else caused them to be positive although the levels were so high it has me worried, if it was lower I would think it could have been false reading but 1:1280 is very high.

 

Thank you I really appreciate the replies

[nvsmom]

I too have had positive ANA's but in the last few years it has been negative again. A positive ANA often means there is an autoimmune problem but it's not always Lupus... or even usually. I thought I had lupus too because I had arthritis for years but after being gluten-free for a good while, I am essentially arthritis free - it was the celiac causing my pain.

 

A nucleolar pattern is a bit of an unusual onethough, I'm glad you are getting it checked -  just to be safe. Sclerodema and a coupl of other issues can be associated with that pattern. Open Original Shared Link

 

Good luck!

[Lisa79]

I too have had positive ANA's but in the last few years it has been negative again. A positive ANA often means there is an autoimmune problem but it's not always Lupus... or even usually. I thought I had lupus too because I had arthritis for years but after being gluten-free for a good while, I am essentially arthritis free - it was the celiac causing my pain.

 

A nucleolar pattern is a bit of an unusual onethough, I'm glad you are getting it checked -  just to be safe. Sclerodema and a coupl of other issues can be associated with that pattern. Open Original Shared Link

 

Good luck!

 

Thanks, its so scary waiting, I guess once you get some more results you can just learn how to live with it, its the waiting game that is the hardest.

[Lisa79]

Saw the specialist yesterday, he has ran some more bloods and urine and was reassuring it that it could be nothing.

 

Feeling a little less anxious but still worried.

 

Thanks

[nvsmom]

(((HUGS)))