Someone please help.

[donnyray]

My wife had a positive ana of 1:100 last month. Then a kidney biopsy was performed due to hematuria. The biopsy results says iga nephropath non active non chronic. Her blood test for dsdna and other auto immune indicators are negatuve. She had a rash in her nose and her cheek this past week. Went to the doctor. Her blood tests are normal. Liver function and kidney function are ok. But now she has dark circles in her eyes. U do not know where it came from. Mybe she is overworked or stressed or in fatigue but i am really worried because i love my wife so much. I cannot sleep and i am depressed. Someone please help me. I dknt know what to do.

[LupieMani]

Hi Donnyray. Sorry to hear about your wife. I can try to explain the terminology but it is best if you schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss the findings.

In this case, the Nephropathy is inflammation in the kidneys caused by the IgA antibody. It could have been caused by an infection or an autoimmune event. The non-active, non-chronic label means they think it was an acute or short-lived event, which means although she had the hematuria, they don't believe the effect on her kidneys will continue. This is a good thing.

As far as the rash on her nose, that could be anything from rosacea to the classic malar rash in Lupus. The dark circles could be fatigue from the episode, as you said.

Try not to worry, as that will only affect both of you negatively.

Autoimmune diseases sometimes flash small symptoms and signs here and there for a few years before you get to the stage where blood tests are positive.

Other times, you get episodes like these that vanish, never to be seen again. Please don't put your life on hold worrying over something that isn't there. If anything changes, keep a journal and visit your GP if you are worried.

Hope you find some answers and relief soon.

[donnyray in reply to LupieMani]

Thanks a lot for the help. somewhat I feel better. my wife is not worried about her health but I think I being so much stressed about it. ill keep a record of everything regarding her condition. I just feel really bad and concerned whenever I see her eyes darker as if something is wrong. I feel like my strength is being taken out of my body and I cannot show it to her.

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Donnyray,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK HealthUnlocked Community.

We are not medically qualified here therefore, we cannot comment on your wife’s blood test results. A ‘positive’ ANA result usually indicates that a person has an autoimmune condition - it does not confirm a diagnosis of lupus.

Although dsDNA antibodies are very specific for lupus (as they are not typically seen in any other condition or in healthy population) only approximately 60% of people with SLE will test ‘positive’. Therefore if someone is positive for these antibodies, it often means they have lupus, but if they are negative it does not necessarily mean they do not have lupus. For more information, you can read our blog article on ‘getting a diagnosis of lupus’ here: lupusuk.org.uk/getting-diag...

To read our booklet on lupus and the skin, click here: lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Stress is an important trigger of lupus. It is important that stress levels do not rise as this can potentially bring on a ‘flare’. We published a blog article on ‘stress management and relaxation’ which you may like to read here: lupusuk.org.uk/stress-manag...

Sometimes certain situations can be tough which is why talking to someone can help reduce any worries that you may have. If you would like someone to speak to, I can provide you with LUPUS UK contacts who you can chat with over the telephone. These contacts are volunteers who mostly have lupus themselves; they are not medically trained but are there to offer support and understanding. If you would like a contact to speak to, you can email me at [e-mail]

Please keep us updated, wishing you and your wife all the best.