ANA normalizing - Immune Disorders Message Board

lindlane · 09-13-2006, 05:49 AM

I am new to this board and have some questions. I have hashimoto's and vitiligo along with a neuromuscular disease- a myopathy that has affexted my proximal muscles and respiratory muscles. I have had a positive ANA for at least 5-6 yrs. I had one drawn in MAy 2006 and it was > 1:640 speckled pattern. I saw a rheumatologist about 3 yrs ago who did all the lupus blood work and it was negative except for the ANA. The positive ANA has always been contributed to the hashimoto's and vitiligo. I saw a new internal medicine doctor last week and he repeated the ANA . The nurse called me and said it came back negative - <19 and normal was <99. She did not give a titer, etc. I was dumbfounded as it has been positive for so long.

. I still have muscle and joint pain and stiffness. I don't know whether to just let it go and believe the lab or question it. I just wondered if this usually happens and what it means.
Thanks .

Linda

mfife31 · 09-13-2006, 07:01 AM

My 10 yr old son has AIH and has had a positive ANA since last year. His blood tests in August show his ANA is now negative as well as his smooth muscle is barely above normal now too. I have read that many people say that when they arent having a flare or are in a remission that the titers can come back negative. I believe some docs do antibody tests as well as other labs depending on the illness to watch for flare ups.... hope that may help you some. Mfife31

lindlane · 09-13-2006, 08:50 AM

Thanks for your response. So, when the ANA normalizes- it doesn't mean a autoimmune disease is no longer present, right? I know that sounds dumb

but I am learning. There is a strong family history of autoimmune diseases and my aunt died of lupus.

Linda

pelchatk · 11-01-2006, 01:27 PM

Lindlane - How were you diagnosed with Hashimoto's? I have thyroid perox. antibodies, plus positive ana, and my DsDNA is 9 which is considered normal. I have put on 12 pounds since June and a total of 32 pounds in the last 2 years. I also have white spots growing on my arms and legs. I am in physical therapy 2X week for my joint and muscle pain, I take plaqunil, edotolac, and pain meds. Are you getting answers from your doctors? What meds are you on? Have you gained a lot of weigth? I used to be able to eat anything and not gain a pound, now I eat healthy, no fast food or fried food, and I blowing up! Arg!