Possible autoimmune disorder

[shell1925]

Hello everyone!  I am a 29 yo female, nondrinker, light smoker (currently trying to quit) with a history of health problems since April 2006 while pregnant with my son (who is currently 18 months old).  

Symptoms:
Chest pressure
Back pain (left side)
Pain in neck and between shoulder blades
Left sided pain (shoulder, arm, hand, leg, foot, and toes)
Swelling of left hand/fingers
Cold sensation in left hand/foot
Dizziness
Syncope (passed out twice)
Headaches
Pain in abdomen, RUQ when pressed

Tests:
Chest CT
Abdominal CT
Chest X-ray
V/Q scan
Doppler of legs
Abdominal Ultrasound
Carotid Ultrasound
Endoscopy
Hida Scan
EKG's
Echo
Stress Echo
Nuclear Stress Echo
MRI of brain
EMG (left side)
EEG
Holter monitor
Tilt-table
MANY blood draws

Diagnoses:
Inflammed GB (removed 9/07)
Vasovagal Syncope
Hiatal Hernia
Possibly compressed nerve in neck or back (not confirmed yet)
"Sticky blood" (tested positive for Lupus anticoagulant once, only tested twice)

My question is it possible that I have some type of autoimmune disorder where I could possibly have flares?  I can go months with no symptoms, I can feel absolutely GREAT and then BAM it hits me and it starts all over.  I am at a loss anymore...I felt great from November to about the beginning of February and then it hit me all over again.  I can barely move in the morning from all the pain but I have to get out of bed with the little guy.  I was at the dr. on Monday because my left forearm and hand swelled on Sunday while I was in the shower and I was a bit concerned.  She drew blood again to see my ANA levels, CBC, and to check for food allergies.  Why would I test positive once for lupus anticoagulant and then the next time (6 weeks later) test negative?  

Sorry this is so long but I wanted to make sure I didn't leave anything out.  Thanks for letting me vent, I really appreciate it :-)!

[shell1925]

Hi everyone!  My dr. just called and gave me test results:

Rheumatoid factor: 8
ESR: 2
ANA: less than 1:40
ANA choice: positive

The medical assistant could not really tell me what these numbers meant, just that my doctor wants me to follow up with a rheumatologist.  If anyone has any insight to what these numbers mean it would be greatly appreciated!

[floridagirl11]

Hi Shell1925,

The symptoms you are describing could definitely be caused by any number of autoimmune disorders. Running an ANA panel is a great place to start. If it comes back positive with a high titer result (usually anything over 1:160), that means autoimmune is a definite possibility. A high ANA can also be seen in persons with other disorders such as anemia, cancer, renal malfunction, etc. Your doctor should do follow-up tests based on the pattern(s) of your ANA that come back. Using the ANA panel and your symptoms, it should help your doctor to make an educated diagnosis. I would suggest a follow-up appointment with a rheumatologist or endocrinologist, depending on your lab results. Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions you may have.

Hope

[Diane007]

Hello, I am in a very similar situation to you and have been dealing with the pain and frustration for 5 years. Has your Dr. ever talked to you about Palindromic Rheumatoid Arthritis? When I read your post it's the first thing that came to my mind. It's worth asking about if you haven't already. Good luck!!