Positive ANA and Symptoms

[JCM1992]

Hi everyoneI first tested positive for ANA (high) back in 2014 think it was 1:1280

This was never really followed up & I didn't understand it as I was only young then, but in thr last 5 years I've been experiencing symptoms. I have had more blood tests just from a GP who said ANA aas positive and explained autoimmune and I've also been researching for a year or so. Some of my symptoms are

Chronic hives and itching

Extreme fatigue

Headaches

Bruising

Very tender areas when touched like ankles/knees (the joint doesn't feel sore to bend etc) but around them are v.painful.

I have a slight malar rash it's never raised just red and flat across my nose and checks.

I'm awaiting a referral to Rheumatology but just wondered if my symptoms mirrored anyone else. It's really getting me down now and the rheumatology wait is 4-5 months

[MusicalFurbaby]

Hi JCM1992, welcome! Your troubles certainly sound familiar to me and will resonate with many others on this forum as well. I also experience fatigue, rashes, positive ANA, joint pain, occasional migraines plus other stuff. The rheumatologist is definitely the best person for you to see with all this. While diagnosis can take a long time, take heart—for many of us, it does get better, especially with the right treatment. There is always support here for you when you need it. Take care 🌻🌈

[Bettina1865]

I had everything you listed bar the headaches and malar rash

[KiriDula]

Hi JCM1992. I had an ANA titre which was also 1:1280. Severe fatigue was a principal symptom together with joint pains in my right hand. I have a family history of SLE, and was seen quite rapidly by a rheumatologist who confirmed likelihood of SLE and given a steroid injection and started on hydroxychloroquine. Joint pains started to resove within a week but fatigue lasted several more weeks before easing. Since my diagnosis several years ago, I have also developed hives (apparently 10% of people with SLE get hives) which is helped by anti-histamine and small scaley skin rashes as well as angio-oedema and a periodic mild malar flush. SLE can occur alongside other auto-immune conditions but seeing a rheumatologist is the right thing to do and hopefully your appt will come through soon. All the best.