ANA Tests

Good Morning everyone,

I have been looking for an answer for around 4 years.  Initially neuros were convinced it was MS but only gave me Clinically Isolated Syndrome or Probable MS.  I am now thinking it might be lupus.  

Three weeks ago I was working in the yard, the weather has been beautiful, when I was done for the day I went inside.  My wonderful hubby looks at me and comments on the rash I have on my face.  We looked up the description of Malar Rash and we are pretty sure that is what I have.  Went to the doc, nurse noticed the rash right away, and ran blood work.  All that was tested was basic ANA factor that reads + or -.  Mine was negative, of course, but by the time I got in to the doc it had been a week and rainy so I had been indoors.

I don't have insurance and I self pay.  I have not been able to make an appointment to see a rheumy because no office wants someone who doesn't have insurance.  It is difficult and expensive to get insurance because of my past medical history.  MRI's, LP, and specialists make it hard for insurance companies to give you a decent rate.

In the last four years no doc has performed a thorough test for lupus just the plain jane one.  Even though a rheumy suspected lupus 4 years ago.  Could someone tell me what test should I be asking for?

Just to let you know I have autoimmune ALL over my family tree.  Aunts with RA, one who had MS, and also someone with Lupus in there.  Since early this year my lymph nodes have decided to swell sporadically sometimes the ones in my neck, sometimes under arms or behind legs, right now I have one behind my ear that is swollen and sore.  I also have suffered for 4 years a horrible fatigue that makes me want to sleep 24/7.  No, I am not depressed but thanks for asking!haha How many times have we all been asked that question!!

If you have any questions about symptoms or tests that have been performed I will email you my biography!  Just kidding but I will gladly answer questions.  One thing this journey has taught me is to laugh at yourself because if you don't then you will be the only one in the room not laughing.

Thank you for reading this any any help you can provide is appreciated.

[MarisaV]

I wish I could help. Unfortunately I'm in the same boat.... looking for answers.

Its possible to have both MS and lupus (or some other autoimmune disorder). The fact that there's other autoimmune diseases in your family tree, makes it more likely that you could have an autoimmune disorder.

As for tests for Lupus, the ANA, anti-DNA, anti-Sm, and anti-Ro/SS-A are probably the most common ones (there's so many autoimmune disorder though, that can cause similar symptoms). The also usually run sedimentation-rate(CRP, ESR) tests, and a CBC.

Diagnose is clinical in nature. The tests aren't everything. The doctor will make a diagnosis based on his examination, symptoms, and tests.

It is possible to have a negative ANA and still have lupus, however (ANA-negative lupus), and from I've seen in this group, apparently your ANA fluctuates, and you have to be lucky to catch it at the right time (something my doctors either don't know, or discount).

I'm sure you've already seen this, but listed below are the 11 common signs of Lupus. This were originally meant as a classification guide for researchers, but rheumatologists have been using it as a diagnostic guide:

   1. Malar rash – a rash over the cheeks and nose, often in the shape of a butterfly
   2. Discoid rash – a rash that appears as red, raised, disk-shaped patches
   3. Photosensitivity – a reaction to sun or light that causes a skin rash to appear or get worse
   4. Oral ulcers – sores appearing in the mouth
   5. Arthritis – joint pain and swelling of two or more joints in which the bones around the joints do not become destroyed
   6. Serositis – inflammation of the lining around the lungs (pleuritis) or inflammation of the lining around the heart that causes chest pain which is worse with deep breathing (pericarditis)
   7. Kidney disorder – persistent protein or cellular casts in the urine
   8. Neurological disorder – seizures or psychosis
   9. Blood disorder – anemia (low red blood cell count), leukopenia (low white blood cell count), lymphopenia (low level of specific white blood cells), or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
  10. Immunologic disorder – abnormal anti-double-stranded DNA or anti-Sm, positive antiphospholipid antibodies
  11. Abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA)

**Note Bene: the above list was borrowed from the Lupus Foundation's website. All glory and honor belongs to them.

Mar