ANA

Is it possible for an ANA to go from negative to positive over time?  I have many of the symptoms of lupus, but have a 0 ANA (Test done four years ago.)  Because of this test, docs (incl. rheumy) won't see me.  Please help with your ANA experience.

[Joni686]

Ampky,

Even with full blown lupus your ANA can go up and down.  Find a doctor that will test it again even if it's your PCP.  You said you have all the syptoms (symptoms) of lupus.  What symptoms do you have?  Have you ever had a lupus panel run with DSDNA, C3, C4 and everything else?

You asked about experience.  My ANA has stayed at 1:1280 for almost three years with the exception of it being negative one time and one other time while on Imuran it was down to 1:320.  The problem is I got pneumonia and had to stop taking it.

What symptoms are you having?

Joni

[TrudieC]

My ANA is positive one time and negative another.  Continued testing is needed to get to diagnosis.

[Joni686]

This is why it takes a long time sometimes to get a strong diagnosis.  I will also suggest at this time that you start keeping a log for yourself of your symptoms and a file with copies of all the blood work, MRI's anything that doctors do because you will need that as you see other specialist in the future.