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Widespread Body Pain and High ANA
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Aug 4, 2023 | Replies (43)Comment receiving replies
Hi — I am reporting back from my original post. I have widespread body pain (at times) and an ANA of 1:320. I had an appointment with a rheumatologist this week who ordered an Antinuclear Antibody Panel (with automatic ENA panel).
All the test results were in the very low normal range except for the anti-RNP which was 2.7.
I have an upcoming appointment with the rheumatologist but was wondering what was next given the test result.
I understand that no one is providing medical advice and you are offering information based on your personal experiences only.
I am quite scared and do not have a follow up appointment with the rheumatologist until August 28th.
I do not feel very sick right now and actually very rarely have any arthritic pain that causes me to take pause.
I know that autoimmune disease diagnosis is tricky. Do the blood test results point to any one autoimmune disease?
Will this be a progressive disease? Does stress impact the progression of the autoimmune disease?
I already had plans in place to cut back at work. Would it be best if I quit work altogether to preserve my health? I am in a financial position to be able to do so but fundamentally enjoy my work as a CPA. But the hours can be long and deadlines can be stressful which is why I am reducing my hours.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Replies to "Hi — I am reporting back from my original post. I have widespread body pain (at..."
My ANA was very high . Went to a good Immunologist whom had around 30 lab test. I have
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Non Hiv Chemical Acquired Auto immune Deficiency Syndrome
Rheumatoid
Psorias
Raynaulds
Vitiligo
Many on the horizon
More quetionable markers
Hemolytic Anemia POSSIBLE autoimmune
@amykcpa Unfortunately, you’re caught in a nebulous place of symptoms but no diagnosis. You may not want to hear this, but it can take multiple years to get a diagnosis. That’s why the following article can be so helpful. It gives you some things to research in your life that will prove helpful to the doctor.
https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/diagnosis-tips/
https://apple.news/AoLZaLNbSQbulId5cTLP-dw
This is another good article on autoimmune diseases and the difficulty diagnosing them.
You have a n appointment with a rheumatologist this week and a follow-up at the end of the month? Will you please keep me and other members informed about what happens?
I think everyone has told you a version of the same thing. Your life as you know it isn't over and don't make any big changes because of your diagnosis. Is stress a factor? Lots of studies have been done along those lines and a big "maybe" seems to be the result. Stress does effect the immune system but what is stress to you? If you enjoy your job then power to you. Just find meaning in your life and go for it. Do your own research, follow our stories (lots to learn from others) and trust your doctors to a certain extent. They are all human and not all good at the same things. Also, there is personality fit to consider. It's valid. Speak up if you need to. It's your life and no one can live it better.
@amykcpa
Hi, I hear your concerns. I had a lot of fear before my fibromyalgia diagnosis, and think learning what caused the pain and fatigue helped reduce my pain and fear (unfortunately, not the fatigue). Years later when I started having systemic joint pain, I wasn't all that concerned, but my rheumatologist was. After blood tests, x-rays, and ultrasounds, I was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease.
Like you, I searched for answers and found limited, not-very-helpful information. I teach exercise science, health, and wellness and am thinking of changing my research focus to MCTD so I and others with the disease can get some of the answers we're looking for.
If you want to talk or meet online, let me know. Sometimes talking is easier than writing. 😉
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@amykcpa 1:320 is not that high and people walk around perfectly healthy with a positive ANA. I had 1:5120 and the doc said even some of those occur in healthy people.
Was the anti-RNP positive? I see a reference range where under 20 is normal. Was yours flagged?
If the RNP was positive you could have an autoimmune disorder that your doc can try to diagnose.
I have had lupus for 20 years and now high antibodies for scleroderma. It hasn't been bad at all. It is for some. I would not assume you are going to become sick and would continue your life as is until you have a reason to change! You may continue as you are with pain at times but nothing serious.