ANA results question

[EllsBells591]

Hello all,

I'm still struggling with symptoms, mainly joint ache and tiredness, although some brain fog too. My doctor is being super helpful, and we have ruled out the menopause. He has noted that I had a positive result in one of my latest blood tests for ANA :

Anti-nuclear factor level POSITIVE - Titre > 1:640

ANA PATTERN SPECKLED

He is now wondering whether I have Lupus and is referring me to a Rheumatologist. However, I have Hashimotos so could that not have caused the results?

Also, yet again my White and Red blood cell counts, along with my neutrophil and Lymphocyte counts, although not massively. They (and my platelet count) have been low on and off since 2014 or maybe a bit earlier.

Thanks in advance,

Ellie

Edited to add I also have been diagnosed via CT scan/MRIs with mild arthritis in my neck, back, sacrum and knees.

[Sparklingsunshine]

Just to let you know a speckled pattern can appear in upto 15% of healthy individuals who dont have Lupus, autoimmune or connective tissue disease. My GP said not to worry as this pattern can often appear in people with nothing amiss.

I had the same result a few years ago, I was being tested for Sjogrens, which was negative. I do have Ehlers Danlos so am inclined to think my positive result was down to having EDS. Or maybe not lol.

Having one autoimmune condition can predispose you to others, so its good you are getting checked out.

[EllsBells591 in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Thank you!

[EllsBells591]

I've just read niams.nih.gov/health-topics... which says Lupus can cause:

"Low blood cell counts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets."

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to EllsBells591]

I know the butterfly rash on the face, also known as malar rash is a pretty conclusive Lupus sign, do you have this on your cheeks and nose?

[EllsBells591 in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

No, but my doctor said that not everyone with Lupus gets that.

I have arthritis/joint pain, fatigue, dizzy spells, forgetfulness, low blood count, hair loss, petechiae, dry eyes (I've always described it as tired eyes), palpitations, fingers go blue when cold (my family told me I looked like a smurf when we were in a water park in florida once and got caught in a tropical rain shower), anxiety.

We have also tweaked my thyroid medication so it's as optimal as it can be on T4 alone. If Lupus is ruled out next step will be to try T3.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to EllsBells591]

Well your list of symptoms is suggestive of Lupus, but its a tricky condition to diagnose. And many conditions including hypo or undertreated hypo can mimic it. Obviously Rheumatologist should be able to tell either way.

[csj113]

I hope you can rule out lupus but it’s good that you are getting referred on for investigation.

I’m curious as to how your GP can “rule out” menopause - unless you are already on optimum HRT. At 46 and female you are by definition peri-menopausal (ave age of actual menopause is 51 and the peri-stage can be the decade preceding). Unless your Mum/Gran had v late onset of menopause. Peri-menopause is where symptoms begin - check out Louise Newson online if you haven’t done so. Best of luck!

[EllsBells591 in reply to csj113]

Hi, so we tried hormones (I was on the gel) and the symptoms did not change. He did blood tests at the end of the trial and could see that all my levels were good too.

[EllsBells591 in reply to EllsBells591]

Additionally, I’ve had a lot of these symptoms for over 10 years

[csj113 in reply to EllsBells591]

I sympathise, it’s often a case of sorting one thing at a time to see where it leaves you (e.g. thyroid, anaemia, menopause) as there is so much overlap of symptoms esp if female and meno age. But good that GP recognises that and is referring you on with unresolved symptoms.

I’m told getting HRT type/dose right is a bit of a black art, I’m not sure if you’re still on it but your post suggests not.

[Meno56]

Funnily enough I was listening to an IG live post by Dr Louise Newson yesterday, that she made in December 2023 about aches and joint pains, because this is something that I have problems with when I'm not optimally dosed with my HRT. I've had a frozen shoulder since April 2023, which is so much better now that my estrogen patch has been changed to a more expensive (read 'better quality') patch just a month ago.

I know you have said that you have ruled out Menopause, but your age might suggest that you are in the early stages of being Premenopausal. Newson also talked about the many women who are diagnosed with Lupus incorrectly without having tried any estrogen or HRT, which act as anti-inflammatories for our muscles and joints.

I would urge you to take a listen instagram.com/tv/C09tzq6LoC... and see whether any of this could be beneficial for you.

Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone hormones are cheap and we're meant to have them - they just decline as we age, rather than medication, so I don't understand why this wouldn't be a first course of action for any GP.

Just a thought!

[Meno56]

Testosterone can be a game changer for some too!

[EllsBells591]

I’ve been on patches, and then upped to a gel. Neither made any difference. My testosterone has been tested and the levels are good. I’ve also had these problems for well over 10 years now. Thank you for the reply ☺️

[debra_bill]

How is your B12?

[EllsBells591 in reply to debra_bill]

Haven't had active done for a while. Serum vitamin B12 level was 607 ng/L