Anti-nuclear factor

[Lotsothyroidqustions]

Hi all,

My most recent test results have, in addition to a high TSH (8.57 mlU/L, normal range 0.27-4.2) despite having had an increase of Levothyroxine to 100mcg in June and a TSH reading of 1.35 in August), my Anti- nuclear factor test has also come back positive, homogenous pattern. Has anyone else had this? Does this usually mean lupus or could it be due to my Hashimotos?

I have a telephone appointment with the GP next week and I am not even sure where to start. These results have really thrown me as I only had a couple of months of feeling well after my Levo was increased and now I am feeling unwell again.

Current main symptoms are hair loss starting up again, very achy all over but especially in legs/ feet and hands/ wrists/ fingers, extreme fatigue - falling asleep straight after dinner every night for the last week, IBS type symptoms, slight swelling and discolouration in my ankles (could be unrelated), and experienced a migraine with an aura (no headache) earlier this week.

Any information, experiences or advice regarding the Anti- nuclear factor would be greatly appreciated so I don’t go into the call with the GP cold.

Many thanks!

[greygoose]

The ANA test is just to see if you have any antibodies for immune disorders, but is not specific. It doesn't tell you which autoimmune disorder you have. Could be anything. So, if it's positive, further tests are needed.

[Lotsothyroidqustions in reply to greygoose]

Thank you greygoose . In that case I will try not to worry too much until after I have had further tests.

[greygoose in reply to Lotsothyroidqustions]

No, I don't think it's anything to worry about.

[Torquaygirl]

I have sjogrens and a positive ANA, but mine was speckled. Did GP do ENA too? They usually do both and CRP levels. You probably need a referral to rheumatology, it’s very common to have thyroid problems with other autoimmune disorders and they would certainly account for your symptoms. You can look at the versus arthritis website or here’s the sjogrens ones

bssa.uk.net

I am seeing endocrinology in a couple of weeks as problems developing.

I would suggest you go armed with a list of symptoms and a list of questions, do lots of research before you go….a lot of Drs have still not heard of sjogrens, although as others have said it could be any of the autoimmune disorders.

[Lotsothyroidqustions in reply to Torquaygirl]

Hi Torquay87 ,

Thank you for your reply. No they didn’t do ENA or CRP - to be honest I see a different GP every time and most barely believe me about the Hashimotos so I think the last doctor I saw expected the results to all come back negative/ in range and that’s why they didn’t bother with the full suite of tests. In his notes on my medical record it mentions needing to arrange further testing so I will ask about those. Thank you for the link, I will have a look and I will also ask for a referral. I hope the endocrinologist is able to help you. These autoimmune diseases are no fun. Thanks again!

[Torquaygirl in reply to Lotsothyroidqustions]

Glad it’s been helpful, if you do have sjogrens by any chance there is a great, supportive group on FB called Sjögren’s support UK