Positive auto antibodies

[Krawlins]

Hi all

Can anyone tell me if positive auto antibodies is the same as positive ANA or could it mean anything? prior to an op when I had blood tests (in case you need a transfusion) I got called back to have them taken again as a matter of urgency, consequently it took longer to find a match and instead of being first on list (due to diabetes ) I was last, I was so dehydrated as I'm unable to tolerate having no fluids at the best of times, after the op I couldn't swallow the sandwich I chose as my mouth was bone dry and this was after drinking loads. Does sjogrens cause similar? I have awful dry skin all over together with dry eyes, mucous membranes and scalp and pains in joints with knobbly fingers and arthritis, i often have to use water to enable me to swallow food. Maybe autoantibodies could mean anything but I previously tested negative for ÀNA when rheumatologist tested, he now doesn't see me anymore despite high ESR and CRP which he was initially interested in, how do you do private blood tests, who takes the blood sample?

Thanks for reading, I know you're not doctors but I also know you all have a lot of knowledge and experience in these matters.

Kay

[puffyface]

I think you need a blood test. Sjögrens seems to have anti ro antibodies as well as positive Ana (I think). I have a Sjögrens Lupus overlap and have all of the symptoms you mention. Where do you live? Can you go to a private gp? Or, there are tests you can buy. People on here will know where.

[Krawlins in reply to puffyface]

Thanks for your reply puffyface (feel rude calling you that) I had a test which included ANA and they ruled out Sjögrens? But that blood test was before the positive autoantibodies one and I was no longer under rheumatologist so couldn’t tell him about it. When I move house next month I shall go privately, I’m convinced I have something going on, even though last pain management doctor told me to to stop looking for a cause for my pain (mostly spine/pelvis and legs/feet and join a gym and my pain will go away, even though I do have diagnosed bulging discs, DDD and facet joint arthritis and problems in my feet! My pain started as a child with my feet/legs and I’m now 58 and feel it’s nevee been resolved.

Are you in medication and how was your Sjögrens diagnosed?

I’m in Essex.

Kay

[puffyface in reply to Krawlins]

I just didn’t feel well for years. My face was red, skin dry, felt sick a lot. Had been to local gp who said allergy. One day in London I caught sight of my puffy face in a window and went to a private go who did blood tests. He called the next day and said you have thyroid problems, so take this t4 pill and you’ll be fine. But I wasn’t..and it made me feel MUCH worse, so he sent me to an endocrinologist who did loads and loads of blood tests. They came back showing autoantibodies, and so he sent me to a rheumatologist. It always felt like they were going round and round in circles..but eventually they get there! Do you have private health insurance? It really helps. I’m now on a clinical trial for Sjögrens. I think I’m getting the placebo though!! Good luck.

[Krawlins in reply to puffyface]

I’m glad they eventuality got there! No private insurance so will have to pay I think though I’m moving so maybe change of gp might help

[Bebe76]

You should get a copy of the result showing exactly which auto-antibodies are positive, and show this to your GP or rheumatologist. ANA levels can fluctuate, so a negative ANA in the past doesn't mean you don't have an autoimmune disease now.

[Krawlins in reply to Bebe76]

Thanks Bebe I intend to one day ask for a copy of all !my drs notes and medical records, especially if I'm to go private

[Krawlins]

Thank you Phillippo, sounds like a good idea. I’m kind of waiting for the next significant thing to happen when I might be able to request an appointment with a rheumatologist again.