Hi - I would appreciate any guidance anyone could give me. I had dermatomyositis when I was a teenager (20 years ago), and I thought I had made a full recovery, but I'm finding that when I get routine bloodwork done every few years, I still have a positive ANA screens. One doctor who knew my medical history added that my ana screens were so similar to Lupus, I should keep watch for signs and symptoms. Can dermatomyositis come back? Am I at a higher risk to get Lupus? What is known about former Derm patients later in life?
Thank you so much for your help!!!
Sally
Re: Had dermatomyositis young - positive ana now???
Quote:
Originally Posted by AboutLori
From what I understand about Dermatomyositis is that it never goes away. You can go into remission but you can have a relapse at any time.
Unfortunately, AboutLori is correct. There is no cure and it can return. Not sure about the Lupus connection. See your Md. right away. Don't let calcinosis start if it hasn't already.
Re: Had dermatomyositis young - positive ana now???
Sally,
Have your doctor run the half dozen tests that are more specific to Lupus (SLE). I had a high-homogenous ANA and panicked, but the other tests ruled out SLE to my great relief.
I had these tests on the tip of my tongue last year but forgot what they are specifically called.
My ANA went back to normal after a time.
Re: Had dermatomyositis young - positive ana now???
Quote:
Originally Posted by mstngsal22
Hi - I would appreciate any guidance anyone could give me. I had dermatomyositis when I was a teenager (20 years ago), and I thought I had made a full recovery, but I'm finding that when I get routine bloodwork done every few years, I still have a positive ANA screens. One doctor who knew my medical history added that my ana screens were so similar to Lupus, I should keep watch for signs and symptoms. Can dermatomyositis come back? Am I at a higher risk to get Lupus? What is known about former Derm patients later in life?
Thank you so much for your help!!!
Sally
Hi. I also had Dermatomyositis at a young age (dx at 6 yrs and in treatment until age 8). Mine went into remission. I've also had signs of Lupus in blood tests but a Dr told me it was just the Dermatomyositis showing up. She also told me it was unlikely my Dermatomyositis would come back. Still, there is so little known about those of us who had it as kids as far as how we've done as adults... is there a place to find out more about former Derm patients and the statistics of whether it comes back?
Had dermatomyositis young - positive ana now??? 
