Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.

Autoimmune Disorders Community

 | 

Scleroderma without positive ANA (??)

by tot_teacher, Nov 06, 2008 07:17PM
Hey -

I'm wondering what the liklihood of having Scleroderma ( or Lupus for that matter ) withOUT having a positive ANA ?  I'm in "Limboland" trying to find a diagnosis.

Thanks for your time.

- Alisa
Member Comments (4)

by jason80, Nov 07, 2008 09:25AM
Similarly, I would like to know how much a dx (e.g.Lupus) is based on ANA results vs. symptoms. I can't seem to find that.

by Treecie, Nov 12, 2008 02:22PM
To: Alisa
I'm not sure of a direct percentage perse, but I know it's possible to have Lupus and the serology not confirm it.  So it would stand to reason to me the same could hold true for scleroderma.  For years, a classmate of mine suffered with all the classic symptoms of Lupus, but her serologies kept coming back negative and she was referred to psychology, but she had symptoms they could not ignore. Fortunately, her rheumatologist tried her on prednisone, methotrexate, and Plaquenil intermittently and during those times her symptoms would improve. She was finally diagnosed after a terrible flare when her serologies did come back positive. I would suggest retesting intermittently if you know for sure something is going on. These diseases are so hard to diagnose!  

by becembrie, Nov 13, 2008 03:13PM
To: tot_teacher
I have been dealing with some type of auto-immune disease for about 6 years.  My original blood work was positive for ANA as well as the scleroderma 70 antibody.  I have never again tested positive for scleroderma, but my labwork changes all the time.  Sometimes the ANA is positive, sometimes not.  I have seen 5 rheumatologists and they all have different opinions.  I have been on every med available and the only thing that really makes me feel better is prednisone.  
I guess what I am saying is that your lab values can change and you can still have one of these autoimmune diseases even though the labwork is negative at any given time.  Did they run the scleroderma test?  I would just find a good rheumatologist and keep trying to find an answer.  Sorry I couldn't help much.  Good luck.

by DeeDee051, Nov 14, 2008 01:17PM
To: tot_teacher
I was just told that I have a positive ANA so they looked for other auto immune diseases other than lupus (which I am diagnosed as having mildly as well as Raynaulds).  They found PBC (primary Biliary Cirrosis).  

This may not be so in your case but with the relevent tests, the powers that be will diagnose you accordingly.  Its just that many of the auto immune symptoms display so many of the same or similar charactoristics.

After a major flare up and finding that I also had a positive AMA, it was found that I also have auto immune hepititis which is quite advances.  This was a complete surprise but I must say that after being given the appropriate meds for this condition, I have not only stabilised but have also been feeling a whole lot better for now.

No one knows how long this will last but the consultants are vigilant and once they are on your case, they will endeavour to crack it!!!

One piece of advise though, it would not hurt to keep a diary of events stating how you are feeling that day, aches, dry eyes, itching, night sweats, nausea, any thing at all.  This information is very helpful to the consultant.
Post Comment
To
Comment
Post Comment
Recent Activity
Amphitrite is so happy that hubby has off all weekend. He desreves...
Comment on Open Forums
2 hrs ago by Amphitrite
VaBreeze DIL heard heartbeat today...will know in Mar. if it's a b...
Comment on Please pray for my ...
4 hrs ago by VaBreeze
Smilerdeb is doing Great but wishes the Aussie Summer would come!...
I am frustrated and surrounded by d...
7 hrs ago by Ryansmom17
Ryansmom17 Is in pain from the tests yesterday! I think they pushe...
Comment on In the hospital and...
12 hrs ago by grneweene