Hi I had a positive ANA test result & then a negative ENA result. My doctor says this means I don't have lupus but everything I've read says there is no definitive test for determining lupus. Can anyone tell me if he is right or should I seek a second opinion?
What do my test results mean?
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Hi Rosey,
Welcome to the forum.
How are you? What are your symptoms? Where do you live?
You are right that there is no one test that conclusively excludes lupus, and only a few which can definately confirm it.
Do you know what the titre and pattern of your ANA was? How many times have you had it tested so far, and over what time frame?
Having a negative ENA is an unhelpful result for the doctors, as it gives them no further information, but it does not mean you can't have lupus. I've never ever had a positive ENA, and I do have lupus.
Which doctor are you seeing about your health problems. Have you seen a rheumatologist. If not, you need to be refered to one as most GPs are not able to diagnose lupus. If you are seeing a rheumy but he's not being helpful, then by all means get a second opinion.
Diagnosis is usually a clinical decision based on a combination of objective signs, symptoms, abnormal blood test findings, and the exclusion of some other possibilities. So an ANA alone is also insufficient evidence. It is a question of looking at the big picture.
Let us know how you are getting on.
X C X
Welcome to the forum.
How are you? What are your symptoms? Where do you live?
You are right that there is no one test that conclusively excludes lupus, and only a few which can definately confirm it.
Do you know what the titre and pattern of your ANA was? How many times have you had it tested so far, and over what time frame?
Having a negative ENA is an unhelpful result for the doctors, as it gives them no further information, but it does not mean you can't have lupus. I've never ever had a positive ENA, and I do have lupus.
Which doctor are you seeing about your health problems. Have you seen a rheumatologist. If not, you need to be refered to one as most GPs are not able to diagnose lupus. If you are seeing a rheumy but he's not being helpful, then by all means get a second opinion.
Diagnosis is usually a clinical decision based on a combination of objective signs, symptoms, abnormal blood test findings, and the exclusion of some other possibilities. So an ANA alone is also insufficient evidence. It is a question of looking at the big picture.
Let us know how you are getting on.
X C X
Hi thanks for your reply.
So far my symptoms have been mostly joint pain. It started back in September with achy elbows & not being able to straighten one completely. A couple of months later I felt unwell & had pain in my forearms, wrists & hands & swelling in both hands as well as a bit of swelling in my knees. I also developed a couple of rashes, one on my lower legs & one on my arms & torso. Since then I continue to have achyness in my wrists & hands & occasional slight achyness & swelling in my knees. Always the elbow pain but no obvious swelling there. No more rashes but I do get nervy pains in my forearms & lower legs & feet which I am starting to think is a circulation problem.
I don't know what my ANA results were but my GP did mutter something about 'speckled' to himself. I haven't seen a rheumatologist yet, my GP seems to think he can handle it up to this point & is testing me for gout & rheumatoid arthritis now.
So far my symptoms have been mostly joint pain. It started back in September with achy elbows & not being able to straighten one completely. A couple of months later I felt unwell & had pain in my forearms, wrists & hands & swelling in both hands as well as a bit of swelling in my knees. I also developed a couple of rashes, one on my lower legs & one on my arms & torso. Since then I continue to have achyness in my wrists & hands & occasional slight achyness & swelling in my knees. Always the elbow pain but no obvious swelling there. No more rashes but I do get nervy pains in my forearms & lower legs & feet which I am starting to think is a circulation problem.
I don't know what my ANA results were but my GP did mutter something about 'speckled' to himself. I haven't seen a rheumatologist yet, my GP seems to think he can handle it up to this point & is testing me for gout & rheumatoid arthritis now.
I would strongly advise you to look through the information here on symptoms and diagnosis and give some thought to writing out your medical history.
It would be good to know of any other auto immune illness in your family too.
I am naturally very cautious about GPs as I received some very poor and inaccurate care in the past.
x Lola
It would be good to know of any other auto immune illness in your family too.
I am naturally very cautious about GPs as I received some very poor and inaccurate care in the past.
x Lola
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