[ylee]

I am new to all this so I have some questions. Back in 2002 I had a Hysterectomy, after surgery in the recovery room the Doctor noticed I was really bruised on the left side and to the back. They ran tests and said that I was bleeding internally and they didn't know why. They asked for me to sign a consent form for a blood transfusion. They stated that either my red blood cells were detroying the white or vise versa I can't remember. Anyway later she came in and said my ANA came back positive. I said HUH? She said I just tested positive for Lupus. She stated to see a specialist when I got out and to remember to let doctors know in the future that I tested positive. And sent me on my way. When I saw the specialist he asked if I had certain symptoms and I said no. He tested me again and yes I tested positive. I have left it alone since but tell every Doctor I see about the test results. In 2003 I had my very 1st Kidney stone in my left Kidney. Since then I have had 2 more and I have another as we speak. I am scheduled to have it removed on the 25th, what I am wondering is if it is related. I never had a Kidney issue till the hysterectomy.
We do not know why I get these we have never had the chance to analyze them til now when they take it out. Does anyone know why the test would come back positive but have no other symptoms, Fatigue and cold sores just below my lips again on the left side is really all I have had no rashes.

 

[sadieone]

Hi ylee,

Sorry to hear of your kidney stones. I can only imagine the pain they put you through.

I just want to WELCOME you to the forum.

Feel free to enter chat room you can learn a lot and meet new people.

Take Care

Good Luck

 

[Katharine]

Hello there and welcome,

In my understanding having positive ANA does not necessarily mean you have an auto-immune disease. It can test positive for other reasons. It also depends on the titre (the degree of positive if you see what I mean). The ANA test is a screening test for many auto-immune disorders including lupus but is not lupus specific.

For a lupus diagnosis you must also have other symptoms. You can see the criteria and alternative criteria at the top of "not yet diagnosed"

I'm sorry to hear that you have had so many problems with kidney stones. It sounds painful :sad:

It would be intersting to know why you have tested ANA positive. Maybe, with the fatigue you have been having, it might be worth seeing a rheumatologist all the same, just to be sure. Most GPs really don't know enough about auto-immune diseases, which are very complex, to help.

I presume that your thyroid function has been tested. If you have autoimmune hypo(low)thyroiditis, you can also have positive ANA and that would explain the fatigue.

I hope some more "techy" people will be along soon to help answer your questions. Bye for now,

Katharine

 

[law2lam]

Hi Ylee
Welcome to our world. It nice here!!! I posted for the first time about 6 years ago because, like you, I tested ANA positive and had no symptoms. I had a rash on my face so the Dr ran a whole load of blood tests and thats when my ANA was picked up. He kept saying things like "Are you tired?" (yes but I am 6 months pregnant!), "Do you have joint pain?" (No - but it did happen the following week!), "Do you feel breathless (Yes but thats cos the baby is pressing under my diaphragm!!!) STUPID DR!!!! Anyway I got so frustrated that I found this place and began to look for help and answers. I do not have Lupus, some people have a +ve ANA for no apparent reason. I did get symptoms after my son was born and I have since been diagnosed as hypermobile (really bendy joints) and I have Fibromyalgia (which some people with Lupus have) which has loads of symptoms - but that doesn't mean that you will get it. You just need to ask loads of questions, do your research and persevere.....oh and a little patience (but I have none of that). Let us know how you get on.
Lynn
xxx