Positive ANA?

    • Anonymous
      August 2, 2010 at 5:18 pm

      Does anyone know what the ANA represents, from blood tests? I was told that mine is “mildly” elevated, 2 of the markers, and that it has something to do with the antinuclear antibodies. Nothing to be done about this, the doctor says. Is this just proof of an autoimmune reaction continuing to go on in my body from this vaccine that I had almost 9 months ago? If it is mild, does that mean it could eventually go away? Just curious. I can never get doctors to explain things very well.

    • Dawn Kevies mom
      August 3, 2010 at 10:12 am

      Hi Jessica,
      Jessica, has anyone talked to you what ana is for? ANA is usually an indication of an autoimmune disease such as lupus or for that matter any inflamatory process. Kevs ana is elevated. As well, apparently ivig can raise the ana results. Just a quick response, look into it. If I would have to guess, I would say this would be helpful info in determining this is probably not mild gbs from your h1n1, but an ongoing disease. Have you ever gone to a rheumatologist or imunologist? Is it possible to switch docs, it seems like the doc you are seeing is not willing to dig deep and continues to blame that vaccine. If it were me, I would go to another doc so that the disease does not continue to cause damage that might not ever repair if left untreated, be it cidp lupus or whatever. Good luck, thinking about you.

    • Dawn Kevies mom
      August 3, 2010 at 10:52 am

      Jessica, I am still thinking about you, I think I remember thryroid issues can cause positive ana too. Didn’t you have some kind of skin/rash issue too? Sjrojens can cause positive ana too. Paquinill, sorry spelling can help w/sjrojens and lupus. If is is either of those, they can be managed, if it is cidp it can be manaqged. I think gastro issues too can cause it. I think this might actually be a bright note, at least now, you know there is merit for how you feel and there is eveidence to back up that it is not just a reactionto that vaccine, now your answers might just be a doc away.

      Now you just have to take this info, figure it out and find a doc to help you. Once you do that you will be on the road to recovery, mentally and physically, I really feel that this is going to be a good thing for you!
      Dawn

    • Anonymous
      August 3, 2010 at 3:47 pm

      Thanks for your response Dawn. I also saw that you have had a lot going on in your life. Hope you are hanging in there. Sending you strength and cyberhugs.

      The neuro at U of C and one rheumatologist that I went to said the same thing, that it was slightly elevated, but they did not seem concerned and did not seem to want to probe any more. I had the bloodwork redone recently at Northwestern and that is what they told me yesterday on the phone. I spoke with the nurse, but she said that it was “mild” and there is nothing to be done.

      I do feel some validation that there is something going on with me. I have improved over the last few months, gaining weight, more than I wanted to actually. Aches and pains are better, overall feeling better. There is still something not right because I do have rashes and skin itchiness, dry eyes and mouth, joint pains, fatigue, muscle twitches and various other issues, but nowhere near as severe as it was for the first 3 months. Still a lot of numbness at night in arms/feet with occasional numbness in feet during the daytime. Recently had a numb tongue for a brief spell (few minutes).

      Basically what Northwestern told me was that I have P.O.T.S/dysautonomia and the dr seemed to discount that it was from the vaccine. Asked me about other viruses, etc. I think that because I am carrying on with my life, working etc, and look fine, they just say it is “mild” and move on. I guess I should be grateful that it is not worse, but how do I know that it won’t get worse? I try not to think like this or live like this. When the neurologist examined me she said, “Oh you are ready to go to the gym.” My strength has always been pretty good, except for some mild arm weakness. They like to make jokes instead of sympathizing with you that your life has been turned upside down! Ugh….

      Anyway, I am just in a wait and see pattern now, hoping for improvement and monitoring any changes/declines. Thanks again.