Help! So Scared!

I'm 37 years old and sccared out of my mind. I recently had bloodwork done because this past December I had a nasty "virus" that presented itself in a rash on my thighs, butt and hips, migratory arthritis, swollen gland in my throat and just overall aches and pains. It lasted around 10 days and then went away. During that time they took bloodwork which showed a postive ANA; titer 1:160; homogenous pattern; elevated sedimentation rate and here's the worst part abnormal anti-scl and scl-70 antibodies but negative SCL-70 AB, Immunodiffusion.   I'm petrified that this defintiely means I have scleroderma. I don't have any skin thickening or issues (that I am aware of) and i do get cold hands, but think I've always had this (now I can't remember as I never paid much attention to it).  I guess with the positive SCL-70, it doesn't look good for me as that is always with the diffuse kind and I can't seem to find anything online saying that even healthy people could have SCL-70 anitbodies.   Can anyone shed some light on this. Thanks!!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Both the antibody tests are highly specific for scleroderma (about 95 to 99 percent in studies).  Thus, the chances for a false positive are less likely.

If there continues to be question, a skin biopsy would be helpful.  However, given the specificity of a positive test, treatment options should be discussed with your personal physician.

Regarding treatment, it would depend on what organs are involved.  A referral to a rheumatologist should be considered to further discuss what the next step would be.  

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_b

[myproblem]

There is a form of scleroderma called "Scleroderma sine sclerosis". This means without skin involvement. It is also possible that you have a milder, more slowly advancing form of scleroderma called CREST. Try these links.
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic88.htm
http://www.srfcure.org/srf/patients/treatment.htm
http://www.scleroderma.org/
http://www.sclero.org/medical/about-sd/types/crest.html
The last one has been one of my best resources. I have a mix of Scleroderma and Lupus. Don't be too afraid. They always tell the worst case scenario. I lived with it for nearly 15 years before I came close to an answer.