Positive ANA with MS?

I have been experiencing extreme fatigue, muscle twitches all over my body, hyper active knee reflexes, and head/neck/back aches.

My doctor did some basic bloodwork that was all within normal limits except for a Positive ANA 1:320 Speckled.  Now he is sending me to a rheumatology specialist as this is indicative of an autoimmune disease.  I have been reading the symptoms of Lupus and I know the fatique and positive ANA fit, but not anything else.  Maybe joint pain?  Really, I just ache all over. I was thinking maybe MS or even Lyme disease, but what I read says that neither are indicated by positive ANA.  I am going crazy trying to figure this all out as I wait to see the specialist.  Can a positive ANA indicate MS?  Any thoughts?

[Lulu54]

Hi Suega,
Welcome to the MS forum here at MedHelp. No, a positive ANA will not indicate MS.  Lupus is much more likely.

I was just over at a great resource that you might want to try -
labtestsonline.org

They have all the different tests there - along with how to interpret the results.  There is even an ask an expert section that you can email the scientists if you have more questions.

We have a health page here on Mimics of MS  that you might find useful to read.  They are located at the yellow icon on the upper right side of this page.

Is there any particular reason why you think you have MS or Lyme instead of Lupus?  You could always have more than one disease.

Come back and ask all the quesitons you want ....

be well,
Lulu

[Heather3418]

People with MS can have a positive ANA, but it is not used as purely a diagnostic tool.  It is done in conjunction with other blood testing, that is checking for imflammation, for things other than MS.

I have MS and I have only had a positive ANA once in my 14 years with MS.  All other  ANA testing was normal.  I think that Lulu says it best, as you do too..this could be Lupus or Lyme.  I am betting on Lyme disease.  The "overall ache" is my fist clue, along with your other complaints.

Your doctor is right on the ball, sending you to a Rheumy.  You could be positive for arthritis also.  The Rheumy will run all the blood work needed to tell them what is going on in your body as far as imflammation is concerned.  They usually will take x-rays of the feet and hands, since that is where arthritis seems to strike first.

Please keep us updated and let us know what the new doctor finds.  I would be very interested to hear what he has to say.

Best Wishes and I hope you feel better soon,
Heather

[HVAC]

I drove myself into a panic trying to figure out test results. From bitter experience it is better to let the people with training figure it out. That is why they get paid the big bucks.


From my layman understanding a positive ANA  really just indicates inflamation (inflammation). It can point to Lupus but then they do an anti DNA test if that is positive they look towards Lupus. None of these tests are definitive.

Alex

[suega]

Thank you all for your input.  Lulu, the reason I was thinking MS was largely due to the fact that my reflexes are so over the top!  You barely even have to touch my knee.  From what I have read, MS is really the most common cause.  

I honestly think my symptoms fit Lyme disease best, but the ANA is throwing me for a loop.  I will just have to wait and see what they doctor's come up with.  I am scared and so tired of feeling bad.  I have two small children and just want to be healthy and happy for them, but it is hard to push myself lately.  From what I have heard this might be a very long process.

Thanks again for your input.  It is much appreciated!