ANA Positive, What's Next?

By Candy

1 min read

Last updated: August 2023

I've been experiencing lupus symptoms for a while now.

Growing list of symptoms

It started with itchy skin, followed by joint pain and inflammation that gradually became more frequent. I began experiencing extreme fatigue, making it challenging to get through the day. I've consulted with various doctors about these symptoms—fatigue, joint and muscle pain, brain fog, and mouth sores —and at times, I felt like I was losing my mind.

What's next?

Finally, I underwent testing, and I just viewed my results online. My ANA test came back positive, with ANA titers of 1:160 and 1:640, showing a speckled pattern and a nucleolar pattern. Now, I'm eagerly awaiting my doctor's appointment to discuss the results.

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Racquel H. Dozier Moderator
<inline-mention username="Candy" user-id="8635726"/> I hope that your appointment goes well. Here is a couple of articles that may help in the determination or diagnosis. https://lupus.net/living/rheumatologist-appointments https://lupus.net/video/doctor-communication Let us know how it goes. I hope the doctor looks at everything from your symptoms to your history to the blood work. ~Racquel~ <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team member
1. Candy Member
 Thank you for your kind words of support. I'm hoping they do, any answers would be great. When my symptoms started they were sporadic and didn't really come all together. With my blood work normal, they basically dismissed it. Now, all the symptoms all of the time. I'm at my wits end. 
2. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Candy" user-id="8635726"/> I can completely understand holding space for it all to work out. Keep us informed. ~Racquel~ <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team member
roseflower Member
I feel your frustration. My ANA is 1:640 also. Nuclear pattern is homogenous. Cytoplasmic pattern is not observed. After that positive, I took the AVISE CTD test that is specific for lupus, but it will also show other autoimmune antibodies if you have them. Still waiting on a referral for a rheumatologist and then it will take an additional 3 months to get an appointment. Lupus is a waiting and a guessing game. You are not allow, though. Keep posting. I hope that you get some answers soon. 
1. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator
 <inline-mention username="roseflower" user-id="8609143"/> Thanks for sharing your journey. It can really take a while to get a firm diagnosis. It is so frustrating. I am holding space that your appointment comes sooner rather than later, and it can all be figured out. ~ Racquel~ <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team member 
2. roseflower Member
 Thank you so much @Doreen H
roseflower Member
 <inline-mention username="Racquel H. Dozier" user-id="2041433"/> Thank you!
1. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator
 <inline-mention username="roseflower" user-id="8609143"/> my pleasure glad you are here ~Racquel~ <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team member

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