Connect
Three ANA patterns now? Help!
Hello,
I've been having weird chronic health issues for about 20 years now and about 11 years ago I had my first ANA positive test, which was speckled 1:1280. A couple years later it was positive, speckled 1:640. Three years ago positive, speckled 1:1280 and mitotic spindle fibers 1:1280. Just was tested again and now it's speckled 1:1280 and mitotic spindle fibers 1:1280 and homogenous 1:320.
I have zero inflammatory markers on bloodwork (just tested - all great), and a few years ago the autoimmune panel my rheum did came back all fine. The rheum has me on a 1-2 times a year checkup just to keep an eye on my bloodwork and anything new, but as of now he says he doesn't think I have "something rheumatological." All my other doctors disagree... I have chronic joint and connective tissue pain, small fiber neuropathy and dysautonomia from that, a new heart condition (SVT), constant fatigue, no temp regulation, sun and heat give me migraines and make me feel awful, and my face flushes with a red pattern over my nose and cheeks. I do also have chronic low iron and b12 despite supplementing.
I'm just sick of not having answers, and now I have another ANA pattern to add to my collection.
Anyone have any thoughts on these patterns and what I should ask my doctor to do next?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.
Connect
I had an ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) blood test earlier this year and results came back as Homogeneous pattern. The pathology notes under the result said "If clinical suspicion of a connective tissue tissue disorder remains high, suggest dsDNA and ENA." My rheumatologist recently ordered specific dsDNA and ENA tests for systemic sclerosis and lupus. Systemic sclerosis came back negative. Lupus came back positive.
I don't think either homogeneous or speckled ANA patterns pinpoint a particular diagnosis, but more specific follow-up testing can be done according to your symptoms. Maybe you could ask you doctor about dsDNA or ENA testing? There may also be other tests which can be done according to what your rheumatologist suspects you have.