Positive ANA 1:2560 Nucleolar Pattern

[ilandgirl]

Last week my ANA test came back positive.  It seems really high @ 1:2560 Nucleolar Pattern (6 months ago positive as well @ 1:320 - Dr ignored at the time because of Graves & Celiac).  My GP is trying to get me in to see someone in internal medicine now (which will probably take 2-4 months and the waiting list for a  Rheumatologist will take about 1 year which is really upsetting).  Over the past year, after the birth of my second son, I have dealth with a relapse of Graves disease (which is now in remission) and a diagnosis of Celiac disease (ttg positive twice (33 - 37), biopsy neg - Gastro. still recommended gluten free diet which I now follow).  I am suffering from extreme fatigue, right shoulder pain arm weakness, numbness, fingers feel swollen-tight (no noticable scarring etc) brain fogginess, dry eyes, right leg pain weakness....and the combination is making me feel darn depressed.  I have two beautiful boys and have always considered myself a super mom :) (don't we all ;)  these days I wonder how my husband puts up with me as I feel like a shadow of my old self and wonder if that old self ever existed.  I am really scared... I hope someone can offer some advice.  Our health care is in a really bad state these days and I fear that I will never get the help I  need.  If I had not checked of the ana test on my bloodwork slip when my endo. had  done up the slip I would not be here now.  He told me I was fine and probably just depressed because i was finding it hard adjusting to a gluten free diet (My mom has had Celiac for 15 years....I probably know more about the diet than him)  I am sorry for going on....guess I have been holding this in for too long.  Thank you in advance for those of you who may be able to offer some advice.  God Bless


This discussion is related to Positive ANA with a nucleolar pattern.

[AutoimmuneConfusion]

I am in a similar situation.  I have been dx with about 6 different AI conditions including T!D, Hashimoto's, pyoderma gangrenosum, Crohn's and a few others.  I have been trying to sort it out for 25 years, all the while new AI conditions being added to my list.  I have only seen a rheum. once, and have been waiting for over 7 months trying to get in with a new one since the one I saw stopped seeing patients.  It takes a long time and is frustrating.  Most of the people on the message boards have similar stories.  Do Not give up.  When a doc says you are depressed, look for a new doc.  I know that is easy to say and hard in reality; but with AI the medical field likes to blame the patient.  Keep trying.  If I get any new answers I will post again to say what worked for me.  Hopefully others with similar scenarios will also add any info they have on your post.  In the meantime, try to rest and reduce stress as much as possible.  Your GF diet will help you -- cutting out things like preservatives and following the anti-inflammatory diets can sometimes help.  Keep active but gently active -- a great Endo I saw in the past recommended modified pregnancy yoga or gentle swimming and stretching and those seem to be helpful and keep you from getting more stiff and sore.  Arm yourself with info and share it with your family so that they will try to be understanding.  Remember to ignore doctors who are dismissive -- don't let them get you down because a persons opinion only matters if it is correct!  Remember, a flare is bad but it will reduce and get better, too.  Try to find something you love to do in the meantime that is easier on your health and can be shared with your spouse.  It is okay to admit that flares are tough -- you will improve and it will make you enjoy life outside a flare even more.  Kids are resilient and will be proud of their tough-and-tender Mom.  Stay strong and as healthy as possible in the meantime, and please post when you find things that help you improve or your dx comes through!  Best Wishes!

[soulmate515]

Hi. I have been to;d for years that my positive ANA with several diff patters are not that high.  They were 1.40.  I am guessing that's why they may not rush you. Past few years my level is up 1.85.  I am living an awful life, 27/7.  I give up on local Dr's, trying to find hospital.

[Brownsugar65]

What state do you live in because I never heard of waiting a year to see a rheumatologist.  Maybe you need to go to the nearest city.