ANA? are they always positive?
hi everyone im currently going through the slow process of diagnosis, i am yet to have my ana panel taken, I've done some reading on them and just want to get some different perspectives from real people on a thread.
do any of you get negative ANA's?
have any of you been only positive during a flare up?
have any of you had mixed test results over time.
have any of you ever been positive for a period of time and then suddenly negative?
have any of you ever been negative for a period of time and then suddenly positive.
feel free to add any other relevant information along the same lines as above.
really appreciate it
thank you
JL
, These are all such great questions! While we wait for others in the community with personal, similar experiences to chime in. I thought I would share two links to other forums that have been started about similar topics (1) https://lupus.net/forums/negative-ana (2) https://lupus.net/forums/ana-test. I hope some of the responses there can be of help. I know the diagnosis process can be long and grueling. One of our patient leaders wrote about the experience of being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for years, I'll include that link as well in case it is of interest to you: https://lupus.net/living/misdiagnosed-undiagnosed You are doing everything you can! I hope you are able to get some answers and clarity from doctors soon!
Gabby (team member)I tested positive after a two .5 bought with poison ivy. A small little exposure lead to a whole body itchy and gross rash, high blood pressure and over the top cholesterol levels.
, This is great information to share, thanks for chiming in!
Gabby (team member)
These are all great questions. I do know that ANA negative lupus is possible, but rare. Roughly ninety-seven percent of people with lupus test positive on the ANA.
People with lupus who have tested negative for ANAs often test positive for anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies. These antibodies are linked to extreme sun sensitivity and a subtype of lupus called subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Here's a link to more information: https://lupus.net/blood-tests.
Stay curious, and please let us know if you find any answers. Your rheumatologist (if you have one), may also be a great source of information to ask some of these questions as well.
Wishing you well, - Cody (Team Member)Yes, all of my eight and eight test come back positive never had a negative one yet and I was diagnosed in 2019 for me blood work is done every three months 💜
, It's good to know you stay on top of monitoring your levels! How are you feeling lately?
Gabby (team member)
