Question about lab work...

[ANGIEPRNLL]

I have a RH factor of 19, my sed -rate is normal, I have hypothyroidism, a positive ANA, SM/RNP antibody positive, SM antibody positive, RNP antibody positive, and Chromatin antibody positive.  The SM antibody was at 4.9 everything else must have been really has as it shows no numbers, just >8.0 positive.  My doc is still doing blood work labs and won't see him again until mid August.  From what I have read it seems like Lupus.  All other blood work, wbc, rbc, platelets, etc- everything-- liver, kidney,etc. all came back normal.  Does this seem like lupus to you as that is what doc was saying before but now he is waiting for my next set of blood work.  Thanks for your thoughts. Oh, might I mention I only have symptoms of joint pain, which when I went in was thought to be due to my hypothyroidism and TSH of 14.27.  

[karajo]

Hi Angie,

Welcome to MedHelp!

WOW!  Your TSH is way off.  I'll do some more reading up on that.

Lab work:
I'm not sure about RA numbers
RNP - could indicate mixed connective tissue disease
anti-SM could indicate sojorgrens
What was your patter on your ANA and the titer?
I was not familiar with the other things you mentioned, I can do some research to see what they would be.

Talk to me girl, what exactly is going on? What symptoms prompted the dr. to run these test?

[ANGIEPRNLL]

Thanks for replying!   I just know the ANA was positive and he never said anything else about it.  I have a copy of the lab and it only reads positive.  I went to see him when my pcp sent me to him- I was unable to raise my arms above my head, or to the sides.  I literally cried while trying to comb my 8 year-old daughter's long blonde hair.  It hurt so much just to brush my teeth or open a bottle of pop.  The doc has since mrntioned mixed connective tissue disease, but has said the lab shows that since the RNP was positive but calling it arthritis with lupus and (where the fingers turn blue in cold?-- sorry forgot the name) something else.  he hasn't put anything in my chart - just arthritis, but am on prednisone 5mg and hydroxychloroquine 400mg daily.  To sayI am not scared is bull- I am, but try not to be around my family.  oh, and maybe it's the meds, but I wake- startled --EVERY ttime, like waking from a horrible dream and not realizing what's going on for a minute.  Hope that stops soon!  LOL!   Thanks again for your response!

[karajo]

Hi Angie,

The positive RNP wold definitely suggest Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.  It is a combination of sclerodema and lupus.  It affects the connective tissue in the body.  All of these autoimmune diseases are difficult to dx.  So many other things can mimic them.  Like lymes disease.  But it seems obvious if you have a pos. ANA and SM and RNP.  But your TSH is extremely elevated.  Are you on meds for that?  That alone can make you feel like you are almost dead.  I'm thinking it can cause joints to hurt too.  But if they are swelling, then it has to be either lupus or RA.  

Is the prednisone and plaquinel helping.  When did you start these meds.  It really sounds like your drs. are trying to help you get better.  It takes a month or two to feel the true affects of plaquinel.  

I'm so sorry you are going through all of this.  There are many here that are much more knowledgable than I.  Hopefully they can shed some light on all that you are going through.  Thankfully your major organs are doing well.  

Praying for you girl, Kara

[ANGIEPRNLL]

Kara,

No, I am not on anything for the thyroid.  I am supposed to have a nuclear scan done and have to wait until I haven't been taking meds for 6 weeks until they can do the scan to see if it is 'cold'.  So I get to play the waiting game.  
I have only been on 400 MG of plaq for about a week or so, before that was only 200 mg for about 3-4 weeks.  Not sure of exact dates.  The pred I have been on for a while-- 4-5 weeks- just a bit longer than the plaq.  The pred definitely helps.  I have been too afraid to google too much on scleroderma-- afraid of all the horor stories I will read.  PLease tell me it doesn't have to be all bad...
As far as joints go, I do have some swelling, but doc says it isn't too much.  It has actually gone down he said, but I still hurt quite a bit, and can sure tell I need  my meds the next day!
My rheumy said the TSH was barely elevated and he doesn't believe it has anything to do with joint pain- but who knows...  2 more weeks to go until my scan, and believe me-- I'm ready for it!!  Ugghhh....
I want my levothyroxine back!  :)
Thanks again!

[karajo]

Yes, I know you are probably so tired you could scream.  

I honestly don't know too much about scleraderma.  I have only met one person who has it.  She is doing really well now.  She did menton a hospital stay that was pretty tough.  

Don't know if you are aware, but you can request copies of your lab.  If they perchance didn't get a titer on your ANA, maybe you could request another one (if you have good insurance, that is).  All of these test are quite expensive.

I know when I spend just a little bit of time in the sun, I really pay for it the next couple of days.  My joints hurt and swell, I have headache, I'm soo very tired and I have diarrhea excessively.  

Praying for you girl, Kara