ANA results and prednisone

[QuiltingBee]

Please help me understand.
I have had Hashimoto's thyroid for 28 years.  About four years ago I started having some health issues.  Doctor told me my ANA was rising so he was checking for other autoimmune issues.  All tests were negative.  ANA climbed to 160, 320, 640.   It toggled back and forth a little and then settled at 320 for about 2 years.   A couple weeks after  finishing a 21 day round of prednisone (60/40/20),  I had blood labs run.  ANA negative.  ????
One doctor said it was because of the prednisone and it will come back.  Other doctor said it means all ANA is now gone and will not come back.  (even Hashimoto's)  
Can someone clear me up on this?   I am so confused.....
Thanks.
QBee

[QuiltingBee]

Thank you so very much for your response.   I found it very helpful.  I have been trying to convince so many medical people (40?  50?)   that there is something going on OTHER than my thyroid issue for so many years.  I will visit the site you mentioned.

Can you explain to me how prednisone works with regard to all this?   Did the round of prednisone most likely just knock down the ANA without touching the infection?   Will the ANA come bouncing back?

I appreciate your wise guidance and time.  
Thank you!
QBee

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

Thyroid diseases interest me, because we find them so often in patients with chronic infections.  What we have found is that thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's are commonly thyroiditis, or infections of the thyroid gland that cause autoimmune responses.  

When there is an autoimmune response that results in cell damage and death, nuclear elements are released that can stimulate an autoimmune response, or in the case of nuclear antigens an anti-nuclear antigen response (positive ANA test result).

Usually such infections are also present elsewhere and cause additional signs/symptoms that are not related to the thyroid gland or its thyroid hormone secretions.

Such conditions can be treated, but it may require a highly educated physician who understands the role of chronic infections in autoimmune conditions.  The Road Back Foundation (www.roadback.org) may be able to help you find a physician who has knowledge of chronic infections in causing autoimmune disorders.

Prof. Garth Nicolson

[QuiltingBee]

Hi Nicola.

My anti-TPO  is (was) positive.  At least it WAS positive for ever, and has not been checked since the round of prednisone.  

Symptoms:  left-sided thoracic pain      4 years!    Now, it appears to be nerve involvement

The first doctor says that if my thyroid "burns out"  completely (I think he means dies) the ANA will be gone.

The second doctor says it will come back.  

So, what is the point of taking the prednisone if it is going to all come back anyway?   Obviously I don't understand how all this works.

Thank you for your response!
QBee

[thyroidian]

Hi.
Gosh your ANA did climb, then you took the prednisolone and then the ANA went negative.
I would like to believe the doctor who told you that it will probably come back
The doctor who told you it will never come back even the Hashimotos, is talking rubbish,
ANA, can be found in auto-immune thyroid disease, but you will also have Thyroid Antibodies, which will have been found to give you the diagnosis for Hashimotos.

What are your symptoms? which you were experiencing when you had an high ANA?

I hope this has helped, if you need anymore help give me a nudge
Good Luck
Nicola