1.5 mgs now blood tests all over the place

[paleolady]

So I am into my third year with pmr. I have been at 1.5 mg prednisone for 2 weeks and had my quarterly bloodwork done. Ana is now positive. It was negative last quarter. I am positive for Sjogrens but I don't have any symptoms. Is this because of my lower dosage?

I am a little stiff and slow , but that happens when I lower my dosage.

Any input is greatly appreciated. I have not received an email from my Dr. yet...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think it isn't uncommon for ANA to fluctuate - and why they tend to be a bit reticent about getting excited about low titres. I just have gathered that from the Lupus forum since neither are things we deal with much here.

Not quite clear what you mean by "Is this because of my lower dosage?"

[paleolady in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your input. Lower dosage- at 2mgs all tests were negative. Now at 1.5 , ANA and Sjogrens are positive. My Dr. is not concerned because I am feeling good with no new symptoms. My concern as my pmr is burning out, will I now develop a new "disease"?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to paleolady]

Not sure you can assume PMR is burning out - even 1/2 mg can keep it under wraps until you try stopping.

I don't think pred has any effect on ANA antibodies being positive or not, high doses - 2.5mg/kg body weight and more - will reduce the ANA but you are talking about tiny doses compared with that. Under new criteria I believe they won't diagnose lupus even with a positive test if the patient is well. They can't cure it yet - if you have no symptoms, there are none to control.

[paleolady in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply