← Return to ANA of 1:320, chronic symptoms… anticlimactic bloodwork?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@windyshores

This is a common situation in rheumatology. The ANA itself is not diagnostic for anything but indicates a need for you to be monitored. In my experience rheumatologists are especially watching for damage to organs.

Can you have the skin rashes biopsied? Swallow test? Are you documenting fevers?

The medication options offered by rheumatology may or may not be something you seek. Plaquenil is often first (hydroxychloroquine). Steroids, immune suppressants, others...

In the meantime, you could see a functional or integrative medicine doctor, or naturopath. Supplements such as curcumin and PEA luteolin can help inflammation. PT, massage and tai chi can all help. For now, maybe try to address each symptom.

It takes a long time for a diagnosis to become clear in rheumatology and I think it is often less about the label and more about what it is doing to the body.

Jump to this post


Replies to "This is a common situation in rheumatology. The ANA itself is not diagnostic for anything but..."

That’s quite helpful. I have similar numbers as Carolinely2000, except my symptoms are not typical. No fatigue, no muscle or joint pain, skin pretty good right now….I hope my Neurologist can help me in discussion with my Rheumatologist. ENT says I should discuss my taste issue with Rheumatologist, (Smell has recently improved a lot.)

If you see another rheumatologist for a second opinion they well might consider you to have lupus and treat you more aggressively.
You are suffering enough symptoms to deserve further workup. It might help to see a university med center based dermatologist for testing and input to your rheumatologist.