ANA Count

[frozenpuddles]

Hi,
I was wondering has anyone had there ANA count tested and have borderline numbers? With no signs of Lupus, Rheumatoid or any type of Autoimmune Diseases. Has anyone every read about women with PCOS can or might have a higher / positive ANA count? My doctor says I have a high count and wants me to see a rheumatoid specialist but nobody in the family had any of the above. I was thinking that since PCOS seem to disrupt so many things that ANA would be added to the list.


It's funny because at this point I feel I'm waiting for something to happen...that can make you crazy........

FP

[Mustangsally82]

Hi!

I don't know the answer to your question, but I am being sent to see a rheumatologist myself because I had a high ESR and CRP when I had blood tests to rule out inflammatory bowel disease. I'll probably have an ANA when I go see him/her and I'll let you know what I find out.

I've read that people with PCOS have a higher incidence of other autoimmune diseases, which included rheumatological diseases. I've had joint pain off and on for about five years so maybe this is what's causing it.

I hope you find some answers to your questions, and keep us updated!

[Phira]

I have a VERY high ANA count, actually. I've been suffering from unexplained hives and angioedema (deep tissue sweeling) for two years now (two years this month, actually). I've gotten most of the hives under control, but the angioedema can't be prevented, only treated with prednisone if it gets unbearable. Right now, my upper lip is swollen from angioedema (no reason), and the pred I took hours ago hasn't really kicked in. I'm hoping to grow out of this very soon.

What I have isn't a documented autoimmune disease, such as lupus, but it does sort of qualify as one. I do have several allergies that popped up at the same time, and I got asthma last year, but my hives and angioedema usually show up without being triggered. So even if I avoid my allergens religiously, I can still get it.

So, yeah, high ANA count right here, and hating it.

[beachlover]

I have had a high ANA count and was sent to a rheumatologist. Before I saw her, they were thinking I might have lupus. She did an exam, and apparently there is a more specific ANA test to test for lupus or other autoimmune diseases, and mine was fine. She did tell me that you can have symptoms of these diseases and the labs can take a while to show up, in some cases. I cannot remember the name of the more specific ANA test, but it is one of those that if it is positive, you have something. It must be that PCOS goes along with many other disorders. I have started to wonder if PCOS is a disorder or just part of a bigger disease. Anyway, hope some of this helps.

[frozenpuddles]

Hi thanks for responding I still don’t know what to make of the ANA. I guess I need to see what the specialist will say, I have an appointment in a few weeks.

Beachlover, you said “I have started to wonder if PCOS is a disorder or just part of a bigger disease.”

That line is funny, sad and God no let’s not make it any bigger is what ran through my head!

Mustangsally82 please post about your appointment as well.

Oh man Phira hives are not fun nor is the deep tissue swelling hope the pred is working. All the info is good to know incase I get hives and such then I know my ANA is a problem.


FP

[LaurAnnHere]

I had a high ANA panel and I am a suspect for lupus, though I haven't been back to the rheumatologist in over 10 years. Right now my doctor is calling it an autoimmune disorder of unknown origin. When I went to the rheumatologist he thought it was probably lupus, but couldn't be sure. It was hard to see if the discoloration of my face was due to the signature butterfly rash or to acne/rosacia, even though my face was almost clear at the time. He said it could take years to get a definative diagnosis, but wanted to start me on steroids. I didn't want any part of that. I was skinny then and didn't want to blow up on steroids. Since then I have had some problems that make me want to go back to see him, but I just never seem to find the time/energy/will to go get the referal. I have had pancreatitis, swelling in the lymph nodes in my stomach (didn't even know there was lymph nodes in your stomach before that), so tired and weak all the time, pain in my hands that I fear is arthritis, and stuff like that. He said if I got arthritis that would pretty much diagnose me. I wonder if that just includes in the hands, because I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my back. I need to go back. I'm a little worried I'm going to wait until I'm really sick. Going to the doctor is just such a pain in the rear.

[Mustangsally82]

She did an exam, and apparently there is a more specific ANA test to test for lupus or other autoimmune diseases, and mine was fine I cannot remember the name of the more specific ANA test, but it is one of those that if it is positive, you have something.

I think the test you are referring to is an ANA with reflex. Or is it reflux? I worked in a lab for a few months this semester and one doctor would order her ANAs with automatic reflex so if they were positive they would automatically be sent for the more specific test.

My appointment is May 19, so I've got a long wait. But it's good to know I'm not alone. Hope you guys can get some answers and relief!

[beachlover]

Something I have thought about is do you think that PCOS could itself be some kind of or part of some other autoimmune disease? I just find it odd that so many of us have more than just PCOS.
As far as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or something similar, do you think that you have to be to the point of being in enough pain before the labs will show something? My rheumatologist told me that she had a patient that took five years or so before he showed up having rheumatoid arthritis, even though upon physical examination and some other tests, he had it. Whatever the specific test is for this, it took five years for it to show up positive.
I have felt so odd going to all of these doctors. I just turned 31, so all these years I have been in my 20s and going to these specialists, (and I know many of you are younger than me), but I have felt so out of place going to a gastro doctor, rheumatologist, etc. where I am by far the youngest person there. At the point I am at now, I think I have went to almost every specialist there is.
Do you ever wonder if we are doing like this now, what will come up as we get older, or will we just "maintain" at where we are at now?
I get to thinking about these things too much sometimes... : )
I will be curious to see what your rheumatologist says. I wish you the best.

[LaurAnnHere]

I know what you mean. I was 18 the last time I went to the rheumatologist. I have been seeing a gastro doctor since I was a kid. I couldn't tell you how old I was. I always seem to be the youngest waiting around. I went to a gastro doctor when I was prengant with Jamie. He couldn't do much for me then. THe time before was shortly before I got pregnant. I had a scope done, twice. The food wasn't emptying from my stomach so they sent me in for one of those test with the radioactive oatmeal. That passed through just fine. The new gastro said he would expect that since oatmeal is easy to digest. He said that the last test was basically crap. Maybe I'll get back to him someday.

[frozenpuddles]

Well I had some blood done work and it came back with positive antibodies in my DNA. Does this mean I have Lupus? The doc's is not sure. Because of the high ANA, slight pain in the joint of my middle finger, and sometimes I get the Raynaud's Phenomenon, he thinks I do but it's a wait see kinda thing. So I left the office baffled and not sure what to make of it all. He did say some people do have the antibodies and high ANA but nothing really happens. I'm hoping I'm part of that group. So for now I wait and then go back in 3 months.

[Loreo123]

I also have had a positive ANA, but the doctors have been unable to determine why.
Like LauraAnne posted, Ive been told it's a possible auto immune disease of unknown origin.
Ive have suffered from joint pain, mostly in my knees and ankles since I was about 7 years old.

[Kayiena]

I had high ana's too. I went to a rheumotologist and he ran a freaking ton of tests. I had to give 15 vials of blood! ACK! I came back for slightly high antiphospholipid anitbuodies, an ANA. He said though, that they were borderline though, and to treat it would be more risky than it was worth. The risks just didn't outweigh the benefits. He did point out that PCOS is an inflammatory disorder, and maybe we're all somewhat higher. He said he thought a study into it would be a good idea.. so, maybe one day.

Basically, my opinion, Go see the rheumo. let them run their tests, and that way, at least you know!

[saluki_fan]

I tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies in April 2005...had a successful pregnancy by taking 1 baby aspirin daily, plus 2 shots of heparin.

ANA's mean "antinuclear antibodies", right?

[LaurAnnHere]

ANA's mean "antinuclear antibodies", right?

Yes. Mine came back normal this time. Who knows? My C-reactive protein was messed up, though. So were my white blood cell, red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, neutrphils, and Microalbum.,U,Random. Who knows what it all boils down to.

[andysgirl]

I have tested positive for ANA too. What is exactly "high" when they titer the blood sample? Mine was 1:40. Is that high or low? Neither my gp or liver specialist mentioned anything abnormal about it. Just curious. Maybe it could be the PCOS or fatty liver disease? Thanks
Vicki