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Is it lupus or R A
Ana number are always high, in every test. I have many of the symptoms. Taking the medication, but because I don't have the butter fly rash the doctor says it's not lupus. Then i se another doctor who says yes it is lupus with rheumatoid arthritis. I need help. The pain so bad at times. Can someone help?
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@haydeelynn72
A high ANA is a hallmark sign of Lupus, it is not a part of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-tests/lupus-blood-tests/
Have you had the lab work for DNA DS? That is the genetic test for lupus.
Part of lupus is the butterfly rash. I have the butterfly rash and tested positive for the genetics of lupus. My son was in a motorcycle wreck and has traumatic brain injury.. He always refused to go to the doctor. So I asked for him to be tested since he refuses to go to the doctor or have grandkids because he doesn’t want to carry it on. He does not carry the genetic markers for lupus or any of the autoimmune diseases that run in the family. RA runs on my mother’s side we are not sure where the lupus comes from.
I have had Lupus for 30 years, being diagnosed with it in my 30’s. My first Rheumatologist thought it was not lupus at first because I didn’t have the butterfly rash. Much has been learned about Lupus & other autoimmune diseases since then, thanks in some part to COVID. Due to the sheer number of people suffering from long COVID it has made researchers dive into more understanding of our immune systems including these autoimmune diseases. Not everyone with a positive ANA for Lupus gets that rash.That is why specific Rheumatalogic blood tests on a regular basis are so important.
@swalex ANA is a screening test and can indicate several different autoimmune disorders.