Borderline ANA

[BonnyB]

Hello, I have been ill on and off for several years. Tiredness, rash on face and chest, aches and pains all over, hair loss.

Everytime I recover I just want to put it behind me and carry on living my life.

Unfortunately, this last episode has really done me and enough us enough.

So dr's, blood test and blood tests so far. This showed borderline ANA- speckled.

Urgent referral to immunology, they told Dr needs to be rheumatology and they have got me in on 23rd November.

My GP mentioned lupus. So I've started looking into it. I do fit the criteria but I'm so shocked to learn about how long it takes for diagnosis, especially without a positive ana result.

Thank you

[Simbob]

Hi Sthwing,

I have been through something similar. I have been under investigation for two years since they first mentioned it might be lupus. I was diagnosed around 4 weeks ago. I have felt unwell for years in the past but a referral was made to rheumotology following the development of reynaurds. From my experience it isn't as simple as a positive ANA result but your referral to rheumotology is certainly a step in the right direction.

Wishing you a speedy recovery. Feel free to message me if you would like to talk.

[BonnyB in reply to Simbob]

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, I guess no diagnosis is better than the wrong diagnosis!

[Krazykat26]

Hi Sthwing

That's pretty quick for a rheumatology appt so that's positive!!

Do u have a symptom diary? U can record all of your symptoms, when they happen, how long the episode lasted etc. Also take pictures of any skin involvement/rashes.

An appointment can be tricky as there's not much time n there's usually loads to go through..I find it helps me to think of questions beforehand n jot them down to remind me to ask..n I leave gaps underneath to jot down what the doc says about each one.

I'm glad that you've found this group..u will find out about all things autoimmune..including lupus!! We all live with these illness 24/7 n there's a lot of expertise n experiences shared..as well as a few giggles along the way!! So welcome 🤗

Kat 🌈😽😽xx

[BonnyB in reply to Krazykat26]

Thank you kat. Yes I've been recording things and have photographs which have been added to my e consultation records and forwarded to the hospital. This is why I'm guessing they've got me in so quickly.

Lots I don't understand at the moment but I'm trying to keep an open mind. Thanks again X

[BonnyB]

I don't actually know. Was told by my gp that I'm on the threshold with ANA result. Big dip in neutrophils ( white blood cell) and folate low.

Thank you.

[BonnyB]

Thank you.

[BonnyB]

Can I just ask if you guys are classed as clinically vulnerable.

Noticed people saying they were shielding in first lockdown.

Thank you.

[BonnyB]

I'm sorry to hear this, must be very tough for you and others.

From what I've read so far I'm just at the beginning of a long and winding road for answers.

I'm off work at the moment, 4 th week of what I call ' an episode' hoping to go back soon.

Been advised to have a risk assessment done before I return.

Thank you.

[BonnyB]

My GP thinks I'll be started on hydroxychloroquine.I've seen lots of posts about this medication and people talking about brands zentiva, plaquenil. And generic ? Sorry but can someone explain this to me.

Thank you