ANA Test Results - HELP

[hisbutterfly]

I have been dealing with extreme fatigue, joint and muscle pain, weight gain, and IBS for years.  I have been seeing my doctor for the past 3 years and she keeps telling me it is probably fibromyalgia because blood tests are coming back normal.  She also thought it was depression and because of that and her thoughts of fibromyalgia, she put me on 120mg of cymbalta.  I have been taking it for 3 years with no improvement except during PMS time when my mood is more stable.  I still have the pain, the extreme fatigue, the IBS, etc.  My last lab work came back and I was able to see them for myself.  They told me they were all normal, but when I look at the results they show:  ANA Positive 1:80 Homogeneous.  All other tests are within the normal range.  Are there other tests I should be requesting based on these results?  The nurse told me they are all normal, but we still do not have any answer regarding my pain and fatigue.

[Silverlining15]

Pls let me clarify, I didn't mean to say that give up everything and just wait for 6-7 years! All thru the two years I've continued to read about all my symptoms and played a proactive role with the docs to reach a diagnosis.

It is just that like cold &flu I was hoping everyday that I'll have a conclusive diagnosis today...thats all I was trying to convey,tx

[ewford]

  Lyme, find an LLMD Dr and get proper testing.  Forget the Labcorp tests for Lyme.  They miss 80% of actual cases.  I had 3, all CDC negative but I had Igenex tests after explaining my symptoms and tested positive for Lyme and 2 coinfections of babesia and bartonella.  Had a Mycoplasma result as well from another lab.  Don't wait 6-7 years as you have been told, do some research on Lymes and/or post on the Lymes page here at medhelp.

[Silverlining15]

Fatigue, IBS, joint pain sound familiar...I was there two years ago. Every doc said the same Yeh you have some symptoms but you don't fit into any defined illness...almost like you are supposed to be fine!! BUT only you would know that you are NOT ok.

Based on what I've read and experienced, unless this ANA goes higher we are not labelled as having an auto immune condition. In my case the test was repeated after a year and it had increased to 1:240 then 6months later to 1:640. Hey don't be scared of the big jump it's just that the test is created in multiples of 80. I could use some help from the trained med professionals here...

Basically, it could take 6-7years before some people are diagnosed and we just need to bear with these diffuse symptoms. Hang in there, continue to keep to a healthy diet, meditate or do deep breathing exercises to keep your mind clear. For all you know Science would advance quicker and offer you some help.

Staying positive has helped me over the past two years & it's only last month when I've been diagnosed with Crohn's colitis. It is Very rare amongst Asians and I'm one of them...I'd treat myself as special but seriously, I could use the online support out there.