High ANA test result

[KJO1006]

HI,
I recently went to my regular physician because of feeling fatigued, swollen hands frequently, cloudy urine, 3 cold sores in a month which only happens if I'm ill and I haven't been ill.  When I did, he tested me for a multitude of things and everything came back ok including a cbc but my ANA results had a titer of 1:1120.  I was sent to a Rheumatologist and before looking at that number determined I had no clinical reason to think I had any sort of autoimmune disease.  But once he saw my ANA number, he ran a number of tests.  Is this a really high ANA result?
Your thoughts?
thanks

[txsilver]

That is great news!  I bet it puts your mind at ease to have it investigated, though.  It is quite possible the essential oils could impact your test results but it would depend on what you are taking.  You should always let your docs know about any supplements, herbal remedies, etc. that you are taking as some can interact with the medication that the docs prescribe.  

[KJO1006]

HI,
thanks for the response.  My ANA was 1:1280 after testsing it for a second time.  I was tested for many other things which all came back fine so he said that because I have no really large symptoms, to not worry about it and we'd test it in another year.  
To answer the question about medicine  - just lexapro and that is it.  However I am wondering if essential oils being used can make a difference in this number?  I know medication can have an impact, however that is all I'm taking, but I do use essential oils frequently.  Any thoughts?

[Dnmh]

Thanks txsilver! My brain just isn't functioning well this week!

[txsilver]

A little more info on ANA.  The level considered to be normal is 1:40 or less BUT just because your is high does not mean you have an autoimmune condition associated with the test.  It is possible to test positive and not have any of the associated conditions. I am an example of this in that I tested through the roof for the antibodies for scleroderma but I do not have that condition.  
Are you taking any medications?  Some meds can affect the results of the test.
I think your doctor is being very careful to be sure the test results are explored and that is a good thing.

[Dnmh]

He most likely ran the tests for the different patterns, which would indicate if there is an autoimmune process going on. Thats gneral practice when they see a positive ANA, regardless of the titer. Also keep in mind, a high titer doesn't indicate progression or severity.
As to if your's is high, I'm really having a problem mentally with the math part of it... I've been trying to answer this for over 1/2 hour!  It's a dilution/ratio thing and can't seem to be able to explain that part.

If this didn't make sense, let me know. I'll try again tomorrow!