[bellamarie]

Hi, I really need some feedback. I have been consumed the past 2 days and this is why:
I requested an ANA test from my primary doctor because of symptoms I've experienced in the past 5 yrs and my mom had lupus. The nurse called me on Friday and said my test came back at 2560 which I assume means 1:2560 from some research I've done this weekend. That was all she was offering and would not elaborate any further other than telling me to see a ruematologist and would need further blood tests. Does this number suggest I do have an autoimmune disease or just maybe??? Any feedback would be great. I am so worried! :worried:

 

[Clare.T]

Hello Bellamarie

I have just answered your first post, seeing as how I am up very early this Sunday morning. The majority of our members whether in Europe or North America should be tucked up tight in bed.

http://www.thelupussite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68555

An ANA titre that high would be a strong indication of lupus, assuming there are symptoms to go with it, and more tests need to be done to look for other auto antibodies. If you need help finding a lupus specialist in your area let us know where you are.

You are doing all you can right now so decide what you need to do tomorrow, like call your doctor, get copies of your test results and start finding out about specialists, make lists, then find something agreeable to do today.
Worrying doesn't get people very far, in fact it makes us ill or iller. If the urine test is clear that is a good sign so get that done. Unfortunately there is always a lot of waiting to be done so it's good idea to find ways of dealing with it. Stress reduction techniques come in very handy- even a few simple breathing exercises can stop all that adrenalin rushing round.

Bye for now

Clare

 

[Katharine]

Hello bella marie and :welcome:

I think Clare has already answered your questions so I'll just say hi :wavesmile:

Try not to worry too much. Although no-one wants to have a chronic disease, the treatment offered now generally gives a lot of relief from symptoms and finally knowing what is wrong with you is great from that point of view.

You will have many questions I'm sure over the coming weeks and months and we will be here to help you as much as we can.

I read in you rother post that the nurse said you need to see a rheumatologist. Have you been able to get an appointment yet? I hope that doesn't take too long to set up.

bye for now, keep us posted on that appointment
Katharine

 

[Maia]

Welcome to the site - you've found a great place for information and support.
As Clare has said, an ANA at that titre usually means autoimmune disease and lupus is quite possible given other relevant signs and symptoms (plus the family history makes it more likely too). It is pretty rare to have an ANA that high without some sort of illness being the cause of it.

I like to try to view tests and their results as only information. It hasn't actually changed anything - except that now you're on the way to knowing what has had you ill the last five years. And information is power - hopefully the wait to see the rheumatologist will not be too long - and you'll be put on some helpful treatment soon. Waiting is really hard though - & it's hard not to worry. I use distraction whenever possible (a movie, meeting friends, playing with my animals) as that is what helps me the most when worry sets in...

Take care and welcome again. Let us know how things go...

 

[bellamarie]

thank you

Thank you all for your responses. Are you able to view this? Still working on how to use this forum correctly. Is it possible to have a confirmed positive ANA of 2560 and not have anything wrong?

 

[stewartc7]

can i just ask have u been havin any symptoms

 

[karen.w.]

Hi bellamarie

I just wanted to welcome you to the forum!
I am sorry you are so worried,you seem to have been left in limbo at the moment :sad:

can you make an appointment to see your doctor to have him explain about your tests? when are you seeing the rheumatologist?

good luck to you,please let us know how you get on.
feel free to ask any questions.& try not to worry too much (easier said than done!)
:hug: take care..karen x

 

[bellamarie]

Karen
I am making an appt. w a rheum. on Mon., hopefully can get in sooner that later. Limbo is the worst but I have plenty to keep me busy!! Thank you so much for your support.

 

[bellamarie]

Jacqueline
I just posted my symptoms on the symptom board. Let me know what you think. Thank you for your support.

 

[bellamarie]

Jacqueline
forgot to tell you symptoms are under the heading "Can anyone relate"

 

[Maia]

To answer your question: It is possible to have an ANA that high and not have anything wrong. But it is extremely unlikely! Especially since your symptoms suggest that somethings been wrong for a while now right?

Seems like you're doing a good job of learning how to navigate the forum!

 

[micsandbox]

I've heard that you can enter your results on labtestsonline.org and get more answers.

Hope that helps and best of luck to you.