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3 years ago ANA 1:80 now my ANA 1:640 help please
I had an ANA test 4/2022. Results showed high Titer of 1:80, speckled pattern. I was weak, always tired, sleeping a lot, all over pain. I could do nothing. The cascade showed negative for the 11 things tested. Fast forward to a repeat ANA 11/2025 this one says titer of 1:160 speckled A pattern, AND a titer of 1:640 with a homogenous A pattern. I checked all my medications to see if any could cause this and nothing does. With the recent ANA I also had a UTI. And I have kidney issues. Can anyone please give me insight as to if I need to follow up with a rheumatologist? I have an extremely high deductible and if I can pass on going, I would rather. Same symptoms as before, very tired, all over pain, mainly low back and hips, my tongue feels swollen (?) and my mouth seems dry. I’m always told I am dehydrated even though I drink plenty of water (it’s my go-to)
Thank you all for any insight you may share.
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Hi,
I am sorry to hear about your symptoms. High ANA titer can be a sign of autoimmune condition. Swollen tongue and dry mouth can be a side effect of the medications, but it can also be a sign of PA pernicious anemia, autoimmune condition due to vitamin B12 deficiency. This is from WebMD.com: If you have pernicious anemia, your body produces antibodies that destroy a stomach protein called “intrinsic factor” (IF). Without IF, vitamin B12 cannot be effectively absorbed from food. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/pernicious-anemia
I think, it is better to go and see your doctor asap to do blood tests, as PA can be serious. Anemias are diagnosed and treated by Hematology/Oncology, but Primary Care doctor also may be able to order blood tests to rule out anemia, or to refer you to the right doctor. There may be other conditions causing your symptoms as well. Hope, this helps.
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3 ReactionsThank you!
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1 ReactionAutoimmune diseases can be a possible cause- quite a few people will test positive on the ANA test indicating autoimmune issues but are seronegative (blood test comes back negative) on some of the specific diseases. Sjogren's is one of those and can cause the dryness you describe. If you can find a good rheumatologist who will look at your symptoms and +ANA and then do some wider testing than just the handful of reflex tests, that could help. A good rheumatologist will treat the symptoms if you have a positive ANA and clinical symptoms pointing to something like Sjogren's.
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1 ReactionI understand how scary it is to get those results. I’ve had ANA+1:320 speckled patterns for years and have had a bazillion autoimmune tests - all negative .
My rheumatologist believes mine is due to my Hashimoto’s thyroid disease. But I also have ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and idiopathic Polyneuropathy - both which may or may not cause a positive ANA .
There are many things that can cause ANA’s with speckled and other patterns and even healthy people can have them. Given that you’re having symptoms and don’t feel well, I personally would want see a rheumatologist. But I also would encourage you not to be overly worried (don’t let Dr. Google freak you out), because there are so many potential causes.
Best wishes. Here’s a some more information about that. https://rheumatologistoncall.com/2022/04/25/common-causes-for-positive-ana/
@db72 thank you
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1 Reaction@fairn thank you
I agree with finding a GOOD Rheumatologist. I also had a lot of luck seeing an immunologist. For dry mouth, I use oraCoat tablets. Good luck!!