I recently requested that my family doctor check my ANA again to see if it had changed. She laughed knowing there wouldn't be, but did it just to humor me. I'm not sure what a normal range is. Anyway it came back high, which we figured, at 1:1280 and said to please avoid sweets. Anyone know exactly what sweets have to do with ANA? I also had an EGD (endoscopy) which is my 9th I think since I first became sick. My esophagus had started to close off again. This is the 2nd time this has happened. It happened first in 97, so it took almost 10 years to do it again. They dilated it and put me on Nexium and zantac as well. I'm also on zelnorm to help my digestive system. I can eat so much better now without the fear of my food choking me! I was just wondering if anyone else had this problem or something similiar??

Hi tracylyn12077,
How do they dilate your throat?:confused:
Felicia

Dear tracylyn, Have you done any reading on Sjogren's Syndrome? Obviously, I'm only a patient who posts here, but I've known several people over time with SS, elevated ANA, and swallowing problems. Sjogren's is seen in lupus patients & also can occur "standalone".

Another question: is your dr. stopping short at testing ANA? Or has she ALSO done specific autoantibody blood tests? e.g., anti-ds-DNA, anti-Sm, anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-RNP, etc. Anti-Ro is the one that is seen most often in SS.

Last, have you seen a rheumatologist? If not, perhaps now is a good time to do so?

FYI, I was Dx'ed in 2000 with the SCLE form of lupus. It's a "subset" of SLE, also associated with anti-Ro antibodies. I had years of a characteristic lupus skin rash seen with this form of lupus, anemia, joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, hair loss, weight loss, fatigue, etc. So anti-Ro is ALSO seen in this form of lupus, too, as well as in Sjogren's.

I really hope you press for better answers & better help! Bye for now. Sincerely, Vee

Vee- you sure do know a lot more than I do! I haven't seen my rheumy in 3 years but I'm going to see her in October and thanks to you all I've learned about the other tests they can order and was going to ask her for the whole work up. I have not heard of Sjogren's Syndrome. Does it come along with lupus?? I will definitely ask if that could be a possibility. I have always had problems.

Justbreathe-they dilate my throat by doing an endoscopy which is where they sedate you and put a tube down your esophagus then blowing up a balloon where the stricture is. Mine always closes off at the same place and the esophageal juncture right before it enters my stomach. I will probably have to have it done the rest of my life which is fine as long as it allows me to eat without the worry of choking.

Thank you for your information!!:wave:

Hi, Tracylyn. To read up on Sjogren's---(1) Try the "Resources" tab above, then MedLine Plus, then Health Conditions, then use the "first letter" option. FYI, there are many resources available via the "Resources" tab; that's just one to get you started. Or (2), try the search box above. Or (3), look in your local library or bookstores for lupus hardcovers. Dr. Daniel Wallace & Dr. Robert Lahita are both excellent rheumie/authors.

Are you also going to work on your "show dr. great article" technique? :D I always tried to be as polite as possible, since he was the dr. and I wasn't, for what little good THAT did me. My old GP ALWAYS yelled at me, then ALWAYS calmed down & asked for a copy for himself. (What a pair we were! :D )

If you need to know who here has a Sjogren's Dx, you could start a new thread with "Sjogren's" in the title & just ask. Best wishes! Bye for now, Vee

:wave:
I have sjorgren's, MCTD, primary lupus, and raynauds phenomenon . I have had continued inflammation in my throat and glands. TY, because i had never heard of the dilation method you spoke of. I usually just end up on soft foods until my flare stops or my flare is brought into some kind of control with my meds. I had to learn not to panic(when my throat is swollen) and pay close attention to how my body works. I have had sprays that relax my muscles though. Thanks for the info. God Bless you!