Postive ANA?

Hi,

I recently had a postive ANA result (1:160 speckled) alongside elevated CRP.

Few years ago had tests that my GP said were indicative of lupus (abnormal urine sample, elevated serum creatine and elevated lupus anti coag) he said if I felt okay to just leave it there…

Since 2020 I have felt gradually become more unwell, having developed other health conditions. (PCOS, hypothyroidism, flare ups of tiredness and joint pain)

I was just wondering if anyone could offer any advice or thoughts based on their own experience/diagnosis?

what further testing should be done after a positive Ana?

Thank you for reading!

[dg70]

Positive bloods and no symptoms then they generally will leave things but your historical positive bloods and now symptoms suggests something is now active. I would go back to your gp and get a new referral to an autoimmune specialist rheumatologist. Keep a diary of symptoms so you can remember how and when you felt a certain way. Exhaustion suggests possible autoimmune activity. You may have a few months wait if your NHS but if you now have symptoms you need medication to dampen down your immune system.

[PositiveT]

Hi GreenTealSeal.Sounds like you are doing amazing to soldier on. Well done you!

If I was in your shoes (so to speak) I'd go back to the Doctor's and ask for a rheumatologist referral. Once in the system the rheumatology team will look after you and give you a definite diagnosis one way or the other.

There is help out there both supportive and medically. This forum being one of them

I hope you get some medication and a diagnosis soon to help you manage your symptoms.

Please keep me updated if you can.

Take care fellow warrior.🌻

[dg70]

Review symptoms on lupus uk and listen to podcasts from reputable sources to see if your symptoms fit. birdbath.org.uk has podcasts on many connective tissue disorders. 👍

[OldTed60]

If they suspected Lupus/ connective tissue disease then your GP should have referred you straight to rheumatology a few years ago rather than suggesting you leave it to wait-and-see. Referrals usually take a long time to materialise.

So I suggest you request they refer you as soon as possible because the specific tests for the various rheumatic autoimmune diseases can usually only be undertaken at the direction of a rheumatologist. +ANA is a very non specific result which can show up in thyroid disease and other conditions and in the non autoimmune population. It is an umbrella marker they look for first in most of these systemic autoimmune conditions, usually positive in Lupus, Sjogrens, Systemic Sclerosis, APS, Myositis, MCTD and UCTD.

[Hidden]

Hi

Definitely go back to GP, remind them of your previous results and advise them that you are now unwell (list symptoms, show photos etc) and mention a referral to Rheumatology. They may need to re-run the same tests again prior to referral as your autoimmune panel and urine test etc were done a while ago - but your GP will know what they need to do to secure a referral. Once you’re referred then Rheumatology they’ll carry out more specific additional immune blood tests.

I’m guessing perhaps you had no Lupus symptoms previously even though your tests results were suggestive of Lupus, which is why you were left on ‘watch and wait’. But, anyway - you’ve watched and waited and now need help, so definitely get back to your GP.

Good luck ✨