ANA positive for Lupus

If you had several suggestive signs and symptoms the diagnosis may be possible. One test by itself does not
make the diagnosis of lupus. In fact most people with
positive ANA tests do not have or develop lupus.
Have further discussion and ask questions about your follow up and what findings you have that go along with
the diagnosis. If you are seeing a rheumatologist they
usually use several criteria to make the diagnosis in addition to the positive test result.

The rest of the test I have had…
ANA SCREEN, IFA POSITIVE
RHEUMATOID FACTER< 10.0
CCP ANTIBODY IgG < 16
ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE < 24.0
C-REACTIVE PROTEIN < 0.30
SJOGRENS SYNDROME-A Nuclear AB < 0.2
SJOGRENS SYNDROME -B NUCLEAR AB < 0.2
RNP- ANTIBODIES < 0.2
ANTI-DNA ANTIBODIES, DOUBLE STANDED < 10
C3- COMPLEMENT 153
C4- COMPLEMENT 23
CREATINE KINASE 141 high
ALDOLASE 6.5

Symptoms I’m having…

Hair loss
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Sores in mouth
Dry mouth
Blue fingers and toes
Joint weakness
Swollen feet
Chronic white blood count Low
Chronic red blood count low
My vision has gotten bad never had to wear glasses before
I have multiple degenerative back
Thoracic disease
Cervical stenosis
All of my vitamins stay low even though my doctor has up then again
Malabsorption
Gastrointestinal problems
Acid Reflux

Don't be afraid! Lupus is manageable if you do the right things...and know your limits. You won't be able to do all the things you used to...but you can still live! I have managed my long list of symptoms for over 10 years. Life is different, but still good!
Be patient, and work with your doctors to find the best combination of meds, diet and exercise.

@hunterhadley03
Here is what AI responded with to your blood test results:
“The results you've provided indicate the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your blood, which can be associated with various autoimmune conditions. Here's a breakdown of the findings:
ANA Titer #1: 1:80 (Abnormal)
This indicates a low level of antinuclear antibodies. A titer of 1:80 is considered abnormal, but it is on the lower end of the spectrum.
ANA Pattern #1: Nuclear, Speckled (Abnormal)
The speckled pattern is one of the common patterns observed in ANA testing. It can be associated with several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and others.
ANA Titer #2: 1:320 (High)
This is a higher titer and indicates a more significant presence of antinuclear antibodies. A titer of 1:320 is more concerning and may warrant further investigation.
ANA Pattern #2: Nuclear, Nucleolar
The nucleolar pattern is less common and can be associated with conditions such as systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and certain types of lupus.
Interpretation and Next Steps
Clinical Correlation: The presence of ANAs, especially at higher titers, should be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings. It's essential to discuss these results with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history.
Further Testing: Depending on your symptoms and the clinical context, your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine if there is an underlying autoimmune condition.
Monitoring: If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, regular monitoring of ANA levels and patterns may be necessary to assess disease activity or response to treatment.
It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss the implications of these results.”

@hunterhadley03
What types of specialists are you working with now?

I would not worry too much at this point. I had positive/abnormal ANA titers. I don’t have lupus but my mother did. It may show up in you if you have/had family members with autoimmune conditions. I do have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and anti phospholipid syndrome (clotting issue) and hypermobility (may be a type of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome or other mixed connective tissue disorder that has not been fully/properly diagnosed).

I am currently saying hello rheumatoid arthritis doctor. I had to go to the ER last night with serve pain in my upper right side and my hands and feet go completely numb. I was hurting in my chest like I had something heavy on me. I think I’m so stressed and worried with the positive result because it explains everything I’m going through. The only symptom I don’t have is the redness on my face. I’m trying so hard to take the pain and have a normal life. I’m just so fatigued and my muscles are so weak. Like I can’t even brush my hair for a period of time and I feel like I’ve been lifting weights all day. I have two beautiful grandchildren and I’m always too tired or weak to hold them. The room tour arthritis doctor told me to come back within a year, but my PCP and the ER doctor told me to get back in with the rheumatoid arthritis doctor as soon as I could looking at my labs so I don’t know what to do if I should change, rheumatoid arthritis, doctor or stay where I’m at??!

@hunterhadley03
You should not have to suffer with pain and need a proper diagnosis to get the right treatments that will help you manage pain, reduce symptoms, and slow/stop progression of your condition. You deserve to enjoy your wonderful blessing of grandchildren!

Have you seen a neurologist? If not, it would be good to have a brain MRI, cervical MRI and lumbar spine MRI to check for nerve or spinal cord compression. This may be behind some of your neurological symptoms (pain/weakness/numbness) They can do an EMG/nerve conduction study of your upper and lower limbs to see if you have radiculopathy nerve root compression radiating to your arms/hands and legs/feet and/or carpal tunnel syndrome. They can also do a skin punch biopsy to check for small fiber neuropathy and neuropathy bloodwork. Make sure to get a good, reputable and highly rated neurologist so you don’t waste your time and money.

Have you had a full thyroid bloodwork panel and have you had hormones and full iron panel checked? If not, have your primary doctor do this. How are your glucose and A1C levels?

Here are the symptoms and conditions that mimic lupus according to AI:
“ Several conditions can present symptoms that mimic lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE). Here are some of the key symptoms and the conditions that may cause them:
Common Symptoms of Lupus
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn't improve with rest.
Joint Pain and Swelling: Often affects multiple joints, particularly in the hands and feet.
Skin Rashes: A characteristic butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, but other rashes can occur.
Fever: Low-grade fevers without an obvious cause.
Photosensitivity: Increased sensitivity to sunlight, leading to rashes or exacerbation of symptoms.
Hair Loss: Thinning or loss of hair, often in patches.
Mouth or Nose Ulcers: Sores that can be painful and persistent.
Organ Involvement: Symptoms related to the kidneys, heart, lungs, or nervous system.
Conditions That Mimic Lupus
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Joint pain and swelling, fatigue, and sometimes skin rashes.
Sjögren's Syndrome: Dry eyes and mouth, joint pain, and fatigue.
Scleroderma: Skin thickening, joint pain, and internal organ involvement.
Dermatomyositis: Muscle weakness and skin rashes, particularly on the face and back.
Fibromyalgia: Widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels, leading to various systemic symptoms.
Infections: Certain infections (like viral infections) can cause symptoms similar to lupus.
Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can lead to fatigue, joint pain, and skin changes.
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD): Features of lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that may resemble lupus, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate testing. Proper diagnosis is crucial, as treatment and management can vary significantly between these conditions.”

1. https://wellwisp.com/what-can-be-misdiagnosed-as-lupus/
2. https://wellwisp.com/what-is-lupus-like-syndrome/

I’ve already had most of the test that you mentioned. My doctor did say my thyroid is within normal limits. I did have the EMG test but they haven’t gotten back to me. My last glucose was 80. Which isn’t too bad. I tested positive for SLE. And my Ck was high as well. I do have all the symptoms for SLE and the connective tissue. My back is really bad. I have thoracic disorder with multiple level degeneration and endcap disorder. They said my bones are bone on bone which hurts really bad. My T9 and T10 is up against my spinal cord. With four bulging disc and the rest is just bone on bone. I am having a MRI on my brain and neck on the 20th of this month. I had a mini stroke where one of my blood vessels collapsed. I’m just a hot mess and I don’t understand how all of this happened all at once it seems like. Oh and thank you for the kind words!! You are right I should be able to enjoy my grandchildren and life. I get so depressed when I’m in pain and see other people my age enjoying life. But you know a lot of people have worse than me. So I just try to keep it all together and not let others see my pain.