I have an ANA of positive speckled at 1:80 .

My ANA was 170 if I’m not mistaken. I have tons of pain. Was diagnosed with erosive arthritis in hands and feet. Sometimes I could cry because the pain is so bad. I try all kinds of topical ointments, Tylenol, tiger bomb, magnesium spray, prayers, deep breathing. Just recently My rheumatologist noted that my uric acid was high, so I am now starting a med for gout. Please Lord, let that help! Yes, I looked tired and I am tired, I feel like I’ve aged 20 years in the past three years.. I thought I had lupus too. I think sometimes it doesn’t show up right away or it can be drug induced lupus if my memory serves me right. I was on biologics For microscopic colitis with horrible side effects… That was the start of my downhill slide.

@suecutuli
You are not alone. I have also had positive ANA and many symptoms but dismissed by multiple doctors, including rheumatologists. My mom had lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

I do have undiagnosed hEDS and was told by a neurologist he thinks I have it due to my hypermobility. My lack of control of my joints causes me to injure myself frequently. This causes me all sorts of pain.

You may be any to continue to look into mixed connective tissue disorders (I think I have this, too). Many have positive ANA but if you didn’t have this before, something is changing in your body and causing pain/overall lack of feeling well. You may have inflammation and there are diets that can help. Seek help from a nutritionist/dietician to look at diet and supplements to reduce inflammation.

1. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/hypermobile-ehlers-danlos%20-syndrome-heds/
2. https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/information/exercise-and-movement-for-adults-with-hypermobile-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-and-hypermobility-spectrum-disorders/
3. https://nydnrehab.com/blog/patients-guide-to-hypermobile-ehlers-danlos-syndrome/
4. https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/post/healthcare-tips-for-ehlers-danlos-syndrome
5. https://www.medcentral.com/pain/hypermobile-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-update-therapeutic-approaches-pain-management

I had a high ANA and strange pains and was told I had Lupus and would die within 5 years. My research suggested Lyme. I had to fight to get treated but did get treated. It took a year of meds but my ANA went back to normal. That was over 25 years ago and I am still kickin’. Consider tickborne diseases.

I have a nine year history of Hashimoto thyroiditis. I have an intermittent nine year history of anemia. I have had eye infections, including styes twice. I have been exhausted for over eight years intermittently. . I have had eye infections, including styes twice. I have had exhausted for over eight years intermittently. Many facial rashes over the years…2025 March, severe burning facial rash around mouth cheeks and lips. A few lip ulcers. I have Been diagnosed with dry eyes and also have dry lips, and occasionally my mouth, a history of facial rashes. I have numbness in feet and hands I begin in 2024 a major Gastrointestinal issue with diarrhea that continues to this day all test negative colonoscopy endoscopy. I have foot metatarsal pain with swelling and I have an ANA at 180 rheumatologist says I don’t meet the NATIONAL criteria for lupus. YET, WANTS ME TO TAKE Hydrochloric Quinn? Why did she even agree to see me if she claims that my 180 ANA is negative LABS said it was positive. I’m very confused and I did not like her. She is a rheumatologist in Virginia Beach, Virginia,. She claims I don’t have lupus or sjorgens and everything I’m experiencing is separate and it’s probably all Hashimoto I disagree. I have felt bad for years and truly believe there’s more going on than just Hashimoto. I would love feedback from folks that have been positively diagnosed with lupus and advised me should I quit this exhaustive journey to find out if I truly have lupus or just leave it alone 68 year old, white female.

You have my heartfelt sympathy. I hate it when doctors don’t recognize… Acknowledge that you do have a positive test. I wonder if they just don’t know. What an upside down world. For me, I’ve just accepted that my body is attacking itself and there’s going to be all kinds of weird things going on. I’m 69 and just hope to have another good year and then I’m ready to go. All the best to You..

I hate to agree with you, but I feel the same way…I’ve been blessed in sooo many ways.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not disappointed she said I don’t have lupus. I’m Disappointed she looked at everything as separate entities. And dismissed a ton of symptoms that bring the puzzle together.

May I ask. What would you suggest I do. She said, you don’t fit the National criteria 🤬

Are you able to get another doctor? I know here in Ontario Canada it’s very difficult…practically Impossible. If not, I hate to say this, but I think you have to find A way to accept and give it your very best to have a positive outlook. Another opinion by a specialist would be optimal though. We share in so many illnesses! I have the dry eye, the dry Mouth, face rashes… I Don’t have any thyroid issues, but I have
Lichen planus on my privates, etc… i’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. sending prayers!

Thank you❤️

Have u been diagnosed with lupus? If u research older women with lupus…you will find the symptoms are not as severe, and…usually no malar rash. Just other rashes.
I do understand lupus is difficult to diagnosis sometimes because of crossover symptoms of other autoimmune diseases. However, I believe many rheumatologist look at that national criteria and if you don’t meet it, then they diagnose you as negative they don’t think for themselves or bother to research the symptoms that might not be as common with lupus. They simply take a list by the national criteria and check you off and dismiss you if you don’t come close . That’s not a good clinician that’s not thinking outside the box and that’s not trying to help folks that don’t have a blatant diagnosis of lupus

I haven’t researched Older woman with lupus, but I certainly will. The closest I’ve come to hearing about myself is From a nurse practitioner from a pain clinic. My rheumatologist referred me there and she (pain Nurse practitioner) said that the rheumatologist said she thought I had drug induced lupus. I asked my general practitioner about it and she said no, There’s nothing like that on my record from the Rheumatologist…..? I totally agree with you About the clinicians Not thinking for themselves.… Not willing to really listen to you. They just have a list and they check boxes off. Very sad.