HELP! - Anyone with a +ANA, Nucleolar Pattern?

[bee781]

I have a positive ANA at 1:640 with a nucleolar patter.  Everything I've read says that this means I will get scleroderma and I am freaking out!  Does anyone with a nucleolar pattern have something other than scleroderma?

[CarolG52]

I also had a positive ANA of 1:80 w/ a Speckled pattern.  I'm in the process of seeing a Rhuemy but just can't (or don't) want to start the medications, because it seems to me the cure is worse than the ailment!
I show no bone damage at this point, the pain is bearable to a point.  His logic is early treatment to prevent bone damage but the thought of starting these drugs is pretty scary!
Of course, he did series of x-rays and lab tests to confirm.
Prior to my visit I had a LRA test done (www.ELISAACT.com) I showed reactions to several items, foods, chemicals, etc..  I want to give this a try first by eliminating these from my diet, etc to see if the inflamation goes away!  Wouldn't that be sweet!

[txsilver]

I believe it was the SCL antibodies that I tested through the roof for scleroderma.  The thing with the labs is you can test positive for things you don't  have and negative for things you do.  I know exactly how scary it is waiting for further test results and how one condition seems more terrifying than the next.  Please keep in mind that when you read online about these conditions, you are reading about the full spectrum of the condition.  It's hard, I know, but try to step away from the research and take this step by step.  Hang in there and know that we will be here for you no matter what diagnosis you get.

[bee781]

Right now I have joint pain, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, mild rashes that appear on my hands, a few pint point red dots (a couple on my hands, one on my finger, two on my legs, one on my chest). Those are my main problems. I do also get some numbess feelings and body twitchings/tremors.

So txsilver, you had a nucleolar pattern ANA as well but no sclero?

[txsilver]

I am sure this is freaking you out.  I know because I had a similar experience.  I was high positive for scleroderma and I do not have it.  The tests indicate antibodies but do not diagnose you.  It takes the combination of symptoms, a physical exam and test results to diagnose you.  Do you have symptoms of scleroderma?  What symptoms are you having?