Connective Tissue Disease

Hi I have a quick question. I've been having lots of aches and pains for years.  I've been to a neurologist because I was completely numb on my left side last year.   After many I mean many diagnoses he told me I had something autoimmune he didn't know what it was. I have two T2 hypersensitivities, a venous angioma, scar tissue and spinal fluid on my brain.  I also have Trigeminal Neurolgia, GERD, Hypothyroidism, and Hypertension.  
I recently decided to go to a rheumotologist. He feels I might have Scleroderma.   He said my feet showed signs of Raynoud's
Here's a question.  Last year I had my ANA taken. The titer was low 1:40. the pattern was NUCLEOLAR This year when it was taken again the titer was the same but now the pattern is speckled.  My sed rate has gone from 17 to 24 and now its at 33 I know that's not really high but what does all this mean?  Basically what would cause the ANA pattern to change in a year. ?  Thank you.  I hope they find out what it is soon. I'm achy all the time. I'm 43 but I feel like I'm 93

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The ANA titer is low, and relatively non-specific.  

The sedimentation rate is mildly elevated, and can be caused by a variety of diseases including infection, rheumatological diseases or cancer.  

If scleroderma is suspected, I would consider more specific antibodies such as anti-centromere, anti-topoisomerase-I (Scl-70), anti-RNA polymerase, or U3-RNP antibodies.

These options should be discussed with your rheumatologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

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