Possitive ANA - Myositis Message Board

ladyinpink · 05-26-2004, 07:26 AM

Recently I went to the DR. complaining about pain in my legs and a "rash" on my inner thigh. At first she was not sure what the problem was and thought maybe it was because I had started a heavier workout regiment. After I said a few more things she asked if I had anyone in my family with DM, Lupus or RA. I was not sure being I don't know any of my mothers family and only my paternal grandparents are around. My Dr. sent me down for an ANA and like we assumed it came back positive. My C level protiens where 1.24. My sister-in-law was diagnosed with DM just after she was got married in 1994 and has been doing very good for the past 3 years. Now to my point. She stated that her C protiens where a lot higher than my were and she also said that Birth Control can cause a higher level than normal. I am not sure what to do I have most of the symtoms but fear of loosing my insurance and the fact that I can't get an apointment with a Rhumatologist have me pulling my hair out!!! Has anyone else had a low c protien and still been diagnosed? Please help!

Ashley

ladyinpink · 05-28-2004, 08:53 AM

My Dr said that was fine and she is still wanting me to see the Rheumatologist.

zip2play · 06-06-2004, 06:28 AM

Ashley,

ANA and C-Reactive protein can go high from any mysterious infection, often the cause isn't found.
A good idea is to retest a month later and if still high run a battery of more sensitive auto-antibody, RNA and DNA tests (about 6 of them) that spell out more precisely if an auutoimmune disease is preseent.
Also the ANA pattern of cells on a slide is helpful in diagnosis.
Your family doctor can run all these tests with a simple blood draw.

ladyinpink · 06-08-2004, 02:03 PM

thankyou. My Dr. does not want to run anymore tests she just wants me to see a specialist. I am not experiancing any of the symptoms I had before and am not taking any medications. I think I may wait this out instead of putting myself there all those tests.

hannasnana · 08-24-2004, 11:29 PM

Hi ladyinpink, I was able to lower my ANA by changing my diet to REALLY healthy and detoxing. You could try it then retest. I didn't go to a ruemologist at the suggestion of my Dr either. I wanted to treat my symtoms naturally. I think the meds they put you on are a hazzard to your health. I didn't test positive for lupas, arthritis, RA or anything like that. Just have a high ANA. I haven't tested lately, but I cut it in half the first year.