Re:from joyce----questions

January 1, 2008

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!

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