Anti Nuclear Antibodies (ANA)

[Delphine]

I have a chronic neutropenia and in addition they found out that I have Anti Nuclear antibodies therefore I am very worried about Lupus and the doctor told me that pregnancy could generate Lupus because of Oestrogen. We want to have a second child but I do not want to take the risk of Lupus as I heard life expecta,cy was 5 to 10 years old and this disease seems terrible

[ima1]

I dont know much about this, but could you go to a geneticist?  I htink they can do artificial insemination and test to see which embryos are carriers.

[myproblem]

Do you know the cause of the Neutropenia? For example, was it congenital, or the result of an infection. I ask because, it can be related to Lupus and autoimmune diseases, but is not always. Also, elevated ANA is not uncommon in Neutropenia, and does not necessarily indicate Lupus, or other autoimmune disease. It is also important to note that as much as 1/3 of the general population had an elevated ANA, without Lupus. That is why just an elevated ANA is not considered diagnostic of Lupus. You have to have at least 4 points from a list of 11. The biggest risk I think with Neutropenia, is your increased risk of bacterial infection. This is because the part of your blood that is deficient (Neutrophils), is the part responsible for destroying bacteria in the blood.
I have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, which is a sort of overlap of Lupus, and Scleroderma. I am 17 weeks pregnant with my second child. I am considered high risk because of my myriad of health problems, but am doing well so far. As far as life expectancy for Lupus, and related disorders, it is much higher than it used to be, and most sufferers can expect to live to 70 or 80 just like everyone else. There are very good options for treament these days, and much better ways to monitor the disease progress.
If you are still afraid to ttc, make an appt. with a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist for a consultation. They can tell you their experiences with other women with similar problems, and give you a better idea of what you're up against.

[ark730]

I also have a possitive ANA. I have not been diagnosed with any particuliar disorder though. I am 14wks preggo and although I have had pos ana for 12yrs it doesnt meen it will turn to lupus. I have heard there has been several studies on lupus and we will live a full life if g-d forbid we get. I wouldnt worry, as to many lupus patients who conceive and carry full term are symptom free and actually feel better during their pregnancy. Your body protects itself.
What type of ailment do you have that causes you to have pos ana?

[ark730]

I also have a possitive ANA. I have not been diagnosed with any particuliar disorder though. I am 14wks preggo and although I have had pos ana for 12yrs it doesnt meen it will turn to lupus. I have heard there has been several studies on lupus and we will live a full life if g-d forbid we get. I wouldnt worry, as to many lupus patients who conceive and carry full term are symptom free and actually feel better during their pregnancy. Your body protects itself.
What type of ailment do you have that causes you to have pos ana?

[stormy1373]

wow, I have been looking for you, I havent heard a thing from you and was worried, sorry I have not advice to post, just saw your name and wanted to say hi, and thank-you!  I am glad you are doing well!