Guest guest Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 Hi everyone HAppy New Year! I have one thing to mention as far as testing for " ANA " b/c I saw a few emails about it. If you do this test without the clinical scenario associated to lupus or connective tissue diseases (i.e. without joint pain, rashes, blood, kidney, nose/mouth sores, Raymauds, etc..things that clinically look like it). If you just test your son b/c you have it, it is fairly common to get a " false positive " in close relatives without necessarily meaning that they have the disease. Bottom line...ANA tests have a lot of false positives and you have to always consider the clinical situation. So, if you get a positive on your son, it doesn't necessarily mean he has the disease, you'd have to check with a rheumatologist b/c often you get scared unecessarily. Does that make sense? The American College of Rheumatology has good info on http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/fana.asp?aud=pat AG > > Hi Joyce and all, > > Usually I write about my son, Brad, who has Chiari and a syrinx...but > I thought I'd let you know that I have tested positive for > ANA. That's anti-nuclear antibody, meaning my body doesn't recognize > that it attacks my own DNA. I was diagnosed 5 years ago, but it took > 2 years of denial before I went back. I wouldn't accept the > possibility of lupus. Well, my family doc sent me to a rheumy, and I > like him. I started Plaquenil (an anti-malarial drug that for > unknown reasons help with inflammation and pain), was already on > Celebrex and Protonix. I was told I have " connective tissue > disease/disorder. " I may never develop lupus, but have several > symptoms. I do not have the malar, across the nose and cheeks rash, > but have joint and muscle pain/aches mostly in my hands, feet, > arms. I am prone to anemia, not because of an iron deficiency, but > the destruction of my own red blood cells. I work full time and am > usually fine, as long as I keep taking the few meds I need. My > rheumy added a thyroid medication a year ago, and that helped a lot. > > If anyone would like to know more, I'd be happy to answer you. Many > of you have already helped me with questions I've had with my > son. One thing the rheumy advised - next time Brad is at the docs, > have an ANA test performed on him, and let his neurologist know I > have it. Somehow, they're related, but I am not sure how or why. > > Happy New Year, may we all have a better 2008, > Joyce in MI with 6 " of new snow! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 Hi, I just wanted to mention that I was tested for Lupus and RA back 2 years ago by my family Dr. The ANA was positive so they sent me to a Rheumatologist and he ruled out Lupus and RA and other diseases also. He said it is normal and not uncommon for some healthy people to have a positive ANA. It just happens sometimes. But you should always go and get tested just make sure when you do have a positive ANA. Just wanted to share my experience. Happy New Year!! May you receive life's many blessings., --------------------------------- Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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