After a year of getting nowhere with my diagnosis I made the decision to get a second Rheumatology opinion. I am so glad I did!
I have all the symptoms of Lupus but without the positive ANA result I was getting the brush off from my Rheumy, he just didn’t give two hoots about the pain I was in and left me hanging with no medication or even a plan.
My new Rheumy told me that without the positive ANA he would also rule out Lupus, even though all the symptoms fit. But to make absolutely certain he would test for ANA by immunofluoresence.....and it has come back positive with speckled pattern!
It sounds awful to want that result but I’m just so relieved. I feel like this is a turning point and finally something might be done to find the right treatment. I realise that it still may not be Lupus but it’s another piece of the puzzle.
Written by
Crazy_Cat_Woman
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Well done for keep fighting. Its such a drawn out battle but one that seems to happen for many. I am recently in the same boat as you, and its such a mixture of emotions when you finally receive some sort of answer. Good luck on the rest of your journey. x
I'm always trying to educate people & other consultants on this ANA testing method! It's actually documented across the world that 'speckled' pattern results don't always get identified on the newer tests. IFA/HEP2 is 'Gold Standard' which is always positive on me whereas CTD screen introduced into the NHS 3yrs ago is always negative - I just had this proved again with exactly the same blood sample!!
Hello! That is very interesting. My standard NHS test was always negative. I’m waiting to speak to the consultant again but my IFA test results sheet simply states “Positive: Speckled Pattern”. Hopefully I will be able to find out more soon.
Hi, at least you now have a result! They have a number attached using IFA, e.g. 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320 etc & I don't think they call it positive unless its 1:160 or higher. All the labs in the hospitals near me know of the issue if your speckled pattern but unless your consultant specifically requests IFA method, it won't be done in UK (costs more as more time consuming). I initially proved this by getting private blood tests!
Great information. Wondering if you know when these tests came into being. My ANA was originally positive, though VDRL was falsely positive. Maybe it was only positive with the speckled pattern when done with the better testing in 1988.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Positive ANA Not referred
Why is the ANA + thing SO important?? (Pre referral!?)
Diagnosing blood tests
Negative ANA tests
