Tested positive but...

431 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Karen B, Feb 19, 2009

sharronshiraz

Discussion Starter · Feb 6, 2009

Hi I am a 41 year old with a few autoimmune problems,I have vitiligo,lichen planus,underactive thyroid and in the past have had nerve problems and lung problems!
I have just come back from the doctors and have been told I tested positive for ANA antinuclear bodies,I asked for the results and she said 1 in 40?
There was also a pattern in primary biliuary cirosis?
And I have a chest infection!
She has requested more blood tests next week.
So now I know why I have felt cr*p all week !The doctor mentioned SLE and will refer me to a Frances Hall at Addenbrookes, I live in Lincolnshire.I was given co-codomal and 14 day supply of antibiotics, I must admit I had a few tears in there too.
Does this mean I have SLE? or will the rhemutologist diagnose me?
I feel like many others, I have been struggling with this for years but have always thought its in my head. I self certified this week and was given a week sick certificate, I couldnt face work this week and feel slightly better for being in the warm.(my job involves being outside).
Thanks for having such an informative friendly site.Hope to speak with you all soon.

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lazylegs

· #2 · Feb 6, 2009

Hi Sharron,

Welcome to the forum. I hope you will find the information here useful.

I am sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. It looks like you have quite a wide range of problems. Hopefully the antibiotics take care of your chest infection. If you do not feel it is completely gone once the antibiotics are done make sure to contact your doctor.

Most likely any diagnosis would be from the Rheumatologist. Your ANA is low but in combination with some of the other things further testing is definitely warranted.

Take care,
Lazylegs

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sharronshiraz

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 6, 2009

HI THANKS for replying do you understand 1 in 40 what sort of reading is that?i tried to quiz the doc abit but wasnt able to take it all in if you know what I mean!!

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Lily

· #4 · Feb 6, 2009

Hi Sharon,

1:40 is a very low reading, usually classed as negative, but seeing as you have some other things going on it's worth looking into as lazylegs said.

Good luck and I hope your Rheum appt comes around quickly.

Primary biliary cirrhosis can be associated with Sjogren's Syndrome, another autoimmune disease. But the Rheum will delve into things a lot more thoroughly with you to see what is going on.

This explains the ANA test better than I can

http://www.uklupus.co.uk/ana.html

Hope this helps,

love
Lily

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sharronshiraz

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 7, 2009

Lily;533317 said:
Hi Sharon,

1:40 is a very low reading, usually classed as negative, but seeing as you have some other things going on it's worth looking into as lazylegs said.

Good luck and I hope your Rheum appt comes around quickly.

Primary biliary cirrhosis can be associated with Sjogren's Syndrome, another autoimmune disease. But the Rheum will delve into things a lot more thoroughly with you to see what is going on.

This explains the ANA test better than I can

Hope this helps,

love
Lily

ok thanks, thats interesting,theres so much to learn,so even if lupus isnt diagnosed I suppose i am going to the right place as to see if any other autoimmune problems are present,I suspect they are.
Thanks for your help.
Sharron.

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LolaLola

· #6 · Feb 7, 2009

Hello Sharron,
A chest infection is enough to make you feel pretty down anyway so I am not surprised at the tears. You sound as if you have been struggling for a long time.
If it is SLE then you will soon learn a lot. We aa have and you will be surprised!
x Lola

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Karen B

· #7 · Feb 19, 2009

Hi Sharon -
If I were you I'd ask for a hard copy of the reports that were run then go and google everyone aspect of the test that is out of normal -
the report will list your value and what normal ranges are - in my case my primary made some notes that helped me zoom in on what she seems concerned about.

waiting is nerve wracking.

take care

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