normal results or not?

[jakerleen]

I haven't a clue about blood tests and wondered if anyone could tell me about these.

ANA weakly positive

ESR 34

CRP 3


the doctor said these new tests don't indicate lupus at all, I'm feeling pretty confused as another doctor says they do point in that direction. I was told last time that I had lupus and now they are messing me around. They say I've noly got fibromyalgia. I'm not upset if that is what I have I just want them to make their minds up and give me a break, this bout of pleurisy and it turns out - glandular fever, has taken it out of me let alone the stress of docs who don't seem to know whats going on.

Anyone got any ideas on these tests they are basing things on?

Jackei xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Joandublin]

Hi Jackei:)

Its really difficult to give advice on the results of blood tests because many labs have different ranges so what could seem normal to someone could mean high or low for someone else. It all depends on what is considered 'the normal' range for that lab.

Did you get a copy of the results? If you did, then the print out should say what is the normal lab range and then you can get a better idea of what yours is in relation to it. Having said that, the ESR range in my lab is 0-12 for normal range.

The ESR isnt a very exact indicator or diagnostic blood test. It certainly wouldnt be considered a diagnostic test for Lupus for example. If its high it can mean a number of things, for example inflammation or infection. If your lab range for normal is 0-12 then I would think that 34 is significantly high.

The CRP (C-Reactive Protein) can also measure inflammation but is also not specific to Lupus. Its value is more as an indicator of what might be happening or as a disease monitoring tool post diagnosis. In cases of Lupus though a low CRP is not indicative of NO inflammation. As an example, my lab range for normal is 0-10.

The ANA (Anti Nuclear Antibody) test is usually the first thing they run if they suspect the possibility of an autoimmune problem. The ANA is not an indicator of disease activity but it is almost always high positive in Lupus. I dont know what your titre was (thats the way they present the results usually) but the fact that it was even weakly positive would suggest that they will keep an eye on things for a while.

So I guess your doctor saying these tests 'dont indicate Lupus' is technically correct, but Im wondering what other tests might have been run? I remember getting that 'your tests are pointing in a certain direction' comment myself and feeling a tad frustrated at the time. However with the hindsight of knowledge I know it is very difficult to pin this disease down and it does take time.

When you mentioned two doctors, do you mean they were two doctors at the same clinic? Two rheumatologists? If so, unfortunately its very common for different doctors to have different opinions. It certainly happened to me on more than one occasion. It all depended on whether you got to see the consultant or one of her registrars:rolleyes:

What is the follow up from these tests do you know? Will they be seeing you again and re-testing? Are you on any NSAID's (non steroidal anti inflammatories) for inflammation?

I hope you get some answers soon Jackie. It IS frustrating. Most of us here on the site understand the long road to a diagnosis:hugbetter:

Hang in there
Luv n stuff
Joan:rose:

[Maia]

It would be good to know what your ANA titre was if you can find out.... anything below 1:160 is usually just monitored. Higher titres and/or long term symptoms consistent with lupus will provoke additional blood tests for other autoantibodies.

The ESR is significantly high - the range for most labs for women in the US under age 50 is 0-20.l However, if you have Epstein Barr infection/glandular fever, it could be elevated strictly due to that. And it could be the cause of your low positive ANA as well...

If these things stay elevated beyond your present bout of glandular fever, then your doctors should be retesting you in the future and looking at more of the autoantibodies than just ANA.

Good luck - hope you improve soon.