ANA Test

[RosieA]

I'm sure that lots of you will tell me that you have tested positive for this too! I'm also RF and CCP negative. Wondered if anyone else had this profile or not! Just wondering as it was suggested by hospital that I don't take Sulfasalazine. I suspect I know what it means but hope I might be wrong!

[Hidden]

I have never been tested for ANA. Initially I was negative for RF and they didn't test for CCp then either. But in recent times I tested positive for CCP.

[RosieA in reply to Hidden]

It's all so equally intriging and confusing. My CRP has been reassuringly normal for the 10 months since this all kicked off. Certainly the boundaries between some different auto immune diseases seem a little blurry in their initial stages.

[Pinkypie2018]

Hi Rosie yes I tested positive for ana and also negative for rh factor and ccp. I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.

[RosieA in reply to Pinkypie2018]

Thank you for your response. Forgive my ignorance but does that mean that you have psoriasis? If so did that present first? My initial ANA was borderline but became positive only a few months later I believe.

[Pinkypie2018 in reply to RosieA]

No I don't have psoriasis thankfully, but my dad did along with arthritis so it was based on family history also. Sometimes you can get the arthritis before the skin rash. My rheumatologist told me that some people can test for a positive ana but be completely healthy.

[RosieA in reply to Pinkypie2018]

Yes. I have read this too. I definitely have multiple joint problems and fatique. Hoping it all ends there!

[Barrister]

Yes, I’m ANA positive but everything else negative and have PsA. I don’t have psoriasis but my son does.

[RosieA in reply to Barrister]

Thank you for your response. I have no family history of psoriasis. But was warned that Sulfasalazine could potentially bring on a rash. Hum! The joys of it all.

[Barrister in reply to RosieA]

They will tell you that any of the medications can cause psoriasis to begin/flare. If you read the information leaflets included with the meds, most of them will say that they can cause psoriasis to flare.

[Elmo333]

I had positive Rheumatoid factor, positive antiCCP and positive ANA (and inflammatory markers). Consultant said definitely RA with the possibility of developing lupus later in life (I was 30 when diagnosed). He gave me mtx and sulphasalazine. Stopped the sulpha as it gave me palpitations

[Hidden in reply to Elmo333]

Hiya,

Do you have an underactive thyroid as well as RA and ANA positive? I have tested positve for RA and ANA too, I have been on levothyroxine for 2 years now but very symptomatic. Fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain and muscle twitching. Are these the same symptoms as you? I am 38 and at the beginning of lockdown my GP rang to say he is 99% positive its lupus but cant refer during pandemic so wait about 4 months. I just feel like I'm left in limbo

[Elmo333 in reply to Hidden]

Hi. My thyroid function is fine. I didn’t have muscle weakness or twitching. Have you had an anticcp test? That is more accurate for RA although most gps don’t test for it, it is usually ordered by a rheumatologist. It is such a difficult time for people awaiting diagnosis, 4 months is a long time. I don’t know how it works but I wonder if the up did refer you, you could have a phone consultation?

[RosieA in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to butt in as it were, but your replies came up as alerts. I would push for a referral as I have my second f2f next week, so they are seeing people. At the least, a phone consultation of which I have had several, might get you into the system. Worth asking for referral I should think. Best of luck.

[RosieA]

Thank you for your response. I do so hope that you don't go on to develop any other symptoms of Lupus. Feeling blue and tired today, so feet up with a cuppa and contemplating asking the group about hair loss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hidden in reply to RosieA]

I have terrible hair loss

[medway-lady]

I have pANCA but never been offered SUF. Try not to worry its a percentage risk and sometimes too much information is a frightening thing. I've never gone on to Lupus and trust that the consultant will look for problems. This is really one worry you don't need because you can't change it so be aware but don't Dr Google and frighten yourself to death.

[RosieA]

It is all such a balancing act and I tend to go onto Google Scholar or keep to NRAS, Creaking joints and of course BRS. As a family we have been at the sharp end of a terrible medical scandal that effected many many families and my mother personally. I wish now that I had been more educated but that was before Google. I was also given a drug in my 30s (the days before the drug blurb was included). I learned on the car radio years later that it was known that it could induce early menopause (it did) so you can imagine the silent tears as I drove along the road. For me, information allows me to better understand, to remain in control and engage with the consultant. I reasearch only based on the consultants thoughts and our discussions. Thank you for the warning though- I do filter the poor quality items and it helps that my OH is a scientist so he can spot poor quality material a mile away.

It also helped when they tried to change my consultant (said I had another syndrome, very scary) - I googled - cried - challenged 'I don't have the symptoms"- told not to Dr Google - cried - challenged - again warned - learned more - challenged -whoops - clerical error!!!!!!!! Relief in spades!!

I have been told along with RA I have Sicca symptoms and am at present nursing a swollen salivary gland - who knew it could hurt so much. Told to suck on a lemon by GP - makes my toes curl but hey ho it indeed does the trick.

The more I learn, the more I appreciate the complexities of automimmune diseases and my hat goes off to my consultant.

Ultimately, you are right, we can't change it and need to find peace of mind however it comes. x