ANA 1:1280, low c3, low c5

[medgrl31]

My ANA is 1:1280.  For the past three years it has been between 1:1280 and 1:640 and now back up again.  The pattern was fine speckled several times, but this last time it was homogenous.  I did know that the titre can go up and down, but I did not know that the pattern could change until it did and I read up on it today.  Any one had that happen, and comments on that?

Also, my c3 and c5 came back as low.  I am not familiar with this at all and dont know what it may or may not mean.  I had a nurse practioner read the results and he admitted that he didnt know either.  I stopped going to the rhuematologist becuase when I had pericarditis he sent me to a cardiologist, when I had pluerisy with sob he sent me to a pulmonologist, when I had optic neuritis he sent me to an optholmogist and then I had a blood clot in my leg and I dont even know who he wanted me to go to.  I got tired of having a string of Dr.'s.  Is there not a Dr. that specialized in autoimmune disease?

So, does anyone know anything about the pattern changing and/or about the low c3 and low c5?

Does anyone with autoimmune also cardiac conduction issues?  My event monitor showed pvc's, pac's, pjc's atrial triplets, atrial couplets, 3 beat run of v-tach, wide complex tach, etc.


Thanks for all your help

[cudagirl]

I know that is ***** to have a zillion Dr's, but sometimes you have to do it.  I would find a different Rheumy, and when you see them express your feelings about being shoved from one place to the other.  I have 6 different DR's and it can really get exhausting.  Here you are already fatigued from having an autoimmune disease, then they throw you into this never ending cycle.  I feel your pain and frustration.  Your best defense is to keep looking for a Dr until you are happy.  I also have low C3 complement.  I have heart problems, low kidney function, lung and gastro problems.  If you have SLE if can affect any organ in your body.  My Rheumy works with my other DRs, which they should do. There is a ton of stuff on the net you can research.  For now, know there is someone out there to listen to you.  You can send me message anytime.
Cudagirl

[djoyg]

I feel for you. I hate going to the doctor and when one doctor advises me to consult a string of others, unless I truly believe I am in a life threatening situation, I don't usually go. My ANAs are at 1:1280 as well, but for some reason, my C3 & C4 are elevated. Even my rheumy claims to not know what that means. I've had lupus a really long time & my memory is ****. I did go through a period years ago of really extreme tachycardia. My resting heart rate  would suddenly go up to over 200 for up 2 hours at a time, then go back to normal. I don't remember much more about it.

All my best~

d.

[Joni686]

My ANA is 1:1280 too.  Must be the lucky number !
God Bless...
Joni