Can you have combined autoimmune disorders? I need a second opinion

Posted by martensk @martensk, Sep 13, 2022

My current diagnoses are:
-psoriasis
-hidradenitis suppurativa
-ankylosing spondylitis
-history of mental disorders
-thyroid disease

So, I went for my normal checkup to my rhumie as I am currently on remicade infusions for AS. My doctor pointed out that the rash on my face was more prominent than usual and wanted to test my ANA again which was previously checked in Dec 22. That was yesterday and today I received results without a call from my doctor yet that I tested positive for ANA and Scleroderma and abnormally high white blood cell count.
I was negative for dsDNA with a result of 1.00, sjogrens, and smith. Basically I was sent a vague message asking if I was okay... I'm not worried about my doctor, I just wish they would have called me instead of posting the results and then sending a message that is asking if I am okay since I tested positive for ANA...

So, some questions I have are is this a big deal for my health or not being positive for both ANA and scleroderma and also my C Reactive Protein is 9.0 with a sedimentation rate of ESR 33?

Is this an indicator that something is finally showing up and may be progressing? Of course I looked all of this up and you know how the internet is with the web of lies rabbit hole where all diagnoses lead to death.

Basically, I'm wondering if I have lupus because I show all of the signs for it plus a prominent malar rash or if I don't since the smith is in the negative. Do I have an infection or is this just normal behavior for autoimmune issues?

Like I said, I have never tested positive for ANA before, so that's why my head is spinning with so many questions. My glucose level is high as well and I've never been close to the stage of having diabetes.

I do feel like my body is in a current state of hell. I am stressed out to the max being a teacher and having additional students beyond my normal 157. I'm also teaching virtual and I'm now up to 241. I am also the department head of my subject within my district, a team leader and am currently going through a personal financial crisis.

Health wise- my HS is out of control. It's everywhere in the usual spots and now it is even under my breasts. Huge cyst-like bumps in my groin, armpits and I can count at least 50-60 under my breasts. They hurt so badly. The ones in-between my legs are also very painful. Sometimes I can put my palm around one and it is the size of a golf ball or bigger. I've fallen twice in the past two weeks, once hitting a concrete slab face first right on my cheekbone. Black eye and my entire cheekbone is black currently. I have horrible night sweats even with my thermo on 65 and the fan on full blast and wearing nothing. My vision can become blurry and the brain fog is present. My body aches obviously with the AS, but my feet are also on fire and I cannot sleep at all.

This is now turning into rambling because I feel like there is so much going on.

Could this positive ANA result just be from stress or was it already in the works? Just would basically like some advice or knowledge from medical professionals. This is my first time using this and I appreciate any and all help.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

gillysmom | @gillysmom | Sep 14, 2022

I am a retired private practice psychologuist with a subspecialty in depth therapy, Jungian influence. If you were my active patient, I would encourage you to take a long sabbatical. Your story left me with a question of why do you put yourself under such extreme levels of stress? Once the ANA begins to climb, the autoimmne cascade into multiple system attacks can happen triggered by stress. I apologize for being intrusive, but you seem so unaware of how serious the combination of symptoms you are experiencing is. Prevention is the only real cure for autoimmune disease besides fetal stem cell therspy. Please step back and just breathe slowly, and perhaps you will fnd some insight into how you can calm down the pressres you are dealng with. Blessings.

cmd | @cmd | Sep 14, 2022

I’ll keep you in my thoughts. I was overwhelmed by your entry.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 14, 2022

Hi @martensk, you have a lot going on and mounting stress because of it. @gillysmom tip of taking a deep breath and addressing the mental strain and stress is a good first step.

It's not uncommon for people to have multiple autoimmune conditions. You might be interested in this related discussion with fellow autoimmune patients:
- Positive ANA: What might be the cause?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/positive-ana/

Sounds like you would like to get a professional second opinion. To consult with Mayo Clinic experts, you can submit an appointment request online or by phone. Learn more here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

martensk | @martensk | Sep 15, 2022

In reply to @cmd "I’ll keep you in my thoughts. I was overwhelmed by your entry." + (show)

Thank you.

cmd | @cmd | Sep 15, 2022

Yes you can have multiple autoimmune diseases.

cmd | @cmd | Sep 15, 2022

In reply to @martensk "Thank you." + (show)

You can have multiple autoimmune diseases.

martensk | @martensk | Sep 15, 2022

In reply to @gillysmom "I am a retired private practice psychologuist with a subspecialty in depth therapy, Jungian influence. If..." + (show)

I was raised in a house where if I wasn’t dying, I had to suck it up. I’ve had psoriasis since I was a child and was told it was eczema and that developed into arthritis and then I was finally referred to a rhumie at 37 that ran a bunch of tests and X-rays and was able to provide me with answers.

I have had anxiety and depression issues my entire life. I wasn’t able to get any help until I was on my own and even then I waited too long to seek help. I didn’t even go to the gyno until I was 26.

gillysmom | @gillysmom | Sep 15, 2022

It's difficult to break childhood expectations and habits if you are not aware, but you seem to be clear about what is best for you and ready to discard many of the old patterns. Good for you. All the best in finding effective ways to be kind and supportive to you.

jeebs | @jeebs | Sep 15, 2022

First let me say I am NOT a medical professional though I was in premed until life got in the way. I have what is called undifferentiated connective tissue disease. Basically it's an overlap of autoimmune diseases. A little of each but not enough of one to say definitely that you have Lupus or RA, etc. In my case Sjogrens is the main culprit with a little bit of Lupus thrown in to keep me honest I guess. Plus some other stuff. It's been a horrible ride since I was in my late 30s. I'm now 69 and just getting the answers. I've been told it's anxiety, been misdiagnosed and finally it's been blamed on the murder of my 3 year old grandson. So yes you can have multiples. Also a lot of symptoms are positive with a lot of diseases. That's what makes it so difficult for a Dr. to diagnose. They do their best but it can take awhile to get your answers. Best of luck to you and try not to let it get you down. Just be strong and confident when you talk to your docs. Don't let them tell you you're not feeling what you know you are feeling. Be strong. God's blessings

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 15, 2022

In reply to @jeebs "First let me say I am NOT a medical professional though I was in premed until..." + (show)

Welcome @jeebs, Thanks for sharing your experience. It really helps to hear from others. I think you identified one of the best things each of us can do. That is communicating with your doctor. Are you a member of the Patient Revolution 🙂? --- https://patientrevolution.org/read