I have just received my Rheumatologist's report/Diagnosis. In the extensive report he confirms that I have Scleroderma (knew that already).

[titanicus]

Firstly, I must say that the various Medical people treating me are absolutely marvellous.

My Diagnosis reads: (Reynaud's, calcinosis, pulmonary fibrosis, ANA strongly positive).

I can comprehend everything other than the last bit. What does ANA mean?

Anyone on the forum who can shed some light on this, I would be most grateful.

[Yorky]

ANA = Anti Nuclear Antibody, usually an indication of Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease.

[Sienna in reply to Yorky]

Yorky is completely correct. I have Scleroderma. Have had it for over 38 years.

[AHM42]

If scleroderma is suspected, a blood test is usually given to test for Anti Nuclear Antibodies (ANA). If the results are positive this can help to differentiate between the limited and diffuse forms of scleroderma. Anti nuclear antibodies are indicative of the diffuse form and anti centromere for the limited form. Hope this is helpful.

Anne

[Pipsmum]

I have high ANA but don't have scleroderma, but I do have Sjogren's syndrome

[Anne123_45]

They use ANA to diagnose quite a few auto immune conditions.. For example Pbc raised liver enzemyes and ANA.. Sjogrens usually ANA with anti ro I believe. These are not conclusive by themselves but must go hand in hand with symptoms.. Basically a specialist is the best person to give a definitive.. For example I have Sjogrens scleroderma Pbc raynauds... But they diagnosed these using the blood markers, symptoms and further testing as appropriate.. For the liver a biopsy.. Scleroderma lungs heart and capillary inspection along with physical symptoms.. Sjogrens family history, my own little medical collection of conditions and the anti ro marker.

[judyt]

ANA, yes anti nuclear antibodies then when the lab is testing they do something to cause a stain. You probably remember having seen DNA stains on TV Criminal programs or even on a documentary. The pattern of the stain can be one of several and depending on the pattern along with symptoms it indicates the disorder. So, for instance Centromere pattern with Calcinosis, Raynaud's, Esophageal Dismotility, Sclerodactyly and telangectasia indicates Limited Scleroderma. As well they will look for other antibodies at the same time e.g. Ro, La, and Lupus etc. dsDna (double string DNA) and eNA (extractable Nuclear Antibodies) is the terminology sometimes.

[titanicus]

Thank you to all for your help and useful replies. ENA is negative, as is double stranded DNA,ACLA,ACA and lupus inhibitor. Full blood count revealed a mild macrocytic anaemia.

So overall it sounds like I'm in good nick to take up Mo Farah on his recent challenge to beat him in the half-marathon!

Always keep your sense of humour. Thanks again for your help folks.