R/A

[Sarahsp218]

Hi,
I was dx with R/A ten pr 11 years ago. Lately I have been having serious memory imparment. My neruo doc did MRI & EGG, and bllod test. From the MRI he did see some scare tissuing may be from R/A or something else. Blood work came back Homogeneous ANA of 1-1280.
I do have an R/A specialist, however he never performed this test.

What does all this mean, is my ANA elevated due to my R/A or could it something else.
Neruo doc also wants me to have a neruo-pysch test then after that he is going to do a spinal tap..why?
Please advise.

Sarah Spade

[txsilver]

Fatigue is a terrible debilitating symptom.  I suffered with it horribly until I went on the injections of MTX.  The pill form of MTX made me worse than I was before!

I remember one day I needed to do some shopping but was too muddle-brained to drive so I had a friend take me with her to Target.  We did our shopping and walked out of the store, but when I stepped outside I could not remember what store I had been in, what city I was in, what car we had come in, who had driven - I was terrified.  It took about a minute and things started coming back when I saw my friend staring at me.  I know she thought I was losing it.  So did I.  That was the worst episode I had.  

I don't know why it cleared up, but it did.  I do remember how awful it felt and how I mourned.  I did become depressed and battled that for months before I got better.  

I hope your neuro finds a way to help you.  In the mean time try to have hope and to accept your current limitations.  I know it is a struggle.

[Sarahsp218]

Hi, tha(nk you very much with such a quick response! He did find small scare tissues in part of my brain unfortunately I remember what part.

No changes in medications, except I begun Mthotrexate again, the first time I was on it I got NASH(Non  Alcohol Scrruiss of the Liver)

My main concern is my brain, it is slowly etting worse, as a matter of fact today was horriable, I actuall pulled into a parking lot and allowed my friend to drive my car.

I am having a terriable time finding a pschcologist who perfoms the neruopsych tes and take Anthem.

I cry on and off all the time and plus sleep can't can't get enough of it. Not like the depression sleep, but the no energy tired/sleep.

I thank you much for your answer my emaiil.

Hope to hear back from you soon,

Sarah Spade

[txsilver]

Hi Sarah,
Glad to have you here in the forum.  I am surprised that you got diagnosed with RA without having an ANA test since that is one of the standard tests they run when diagnosing autoimmune disorders.  You are correct in thinking it could be the RA causing it.
My guess regarding the additional tests your neuro wants to perform is that he sees something in your symptoms and/or test results that he needs to explore further.  I can tell you are very concerned and worried so I suggest you call him and ask what he is looking for and whether or not he has seen something that concerns him.  
One thought, have you had in any change in the meds you are taking for RA or any other condition?  There are some drugs that I took that caused me to have horrible cognitive impairments.