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Am I an autoimmune ticking time-bomb?? +++ANA, +ASMA, +RF

by Zizle, Jul 14, 2009 02:02PM
After my first pregnancy, I developed an itchy, red rash on my hips and back that lasted one year (until I weaned). My OB thought I might be allergic to my own breastmilk (he's nuts). The dermatologist was no help with steroid creams, until she ran an ANA test and did a biopsy of the rash. The biopsy showed some mucin but not much else. My ANA was the highest value you can have and I went to a rheumatologist who also found I had Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-Smooth Muscle Antibody. I had a butterfly rash on my face and some sun sensitivity during much of that time.  But my ESR was normal to low, so I had no active inflammation, and the Doc simply said "Call me when your joints start to hurt." He suspected RA or Lupus; I read ASMA was tied to Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Well 4 years later and after a second successful pregnancy, I have been nursing my daughter for 2 years with no rash and no problems other than intermittent IBS-diarrhea which I've had for many years.

My question is, should I repeat my bloodwork for autoantibodies when I'm feeling well? Could they possibly come back negative this time?  Is the fact that I had an autoimmune  flare of some sort a guarantee than something is brewing inside me? What does a positive ANA, RF and ASMA point to?
Member Comments (1)

by Zizle, Jul 14, 2009 02:06PM
I remember now. My ANA was 1:1280 and a speckled pattern if that helps. Thanks!
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