Dr. says my ANA is positive...

[marilynluver]

My dr. told me that my first set of results for my ANA panel were positive so we needed further testing. Days later he informed me that the results were in from the second test. He said,"I have finally received your ANA final results. You have the SSA antibody. This does indicate an auto-inmmune condition, though not necessarily Lupus, as this can also be present in other diseases including Sjogren's Syndrome. At this time no specific therapy is needed although I would be happy to refer you to rheumatology if you wish.". I have had lots of issues..a nail fungus, dry eyes with Pingueculitis, severe neck pain, swollen lymph nodes in neck, etc. My abnormal lab results from CBC, CMP and ANA are as follows:

Urea Nitrogen 20.7 Higher Than Normal mg/dL  (6.0-20.0)  
Alkaline Phosphatase 33 Lower Than Normal U/L  (38-126)  

MCH 31.6 Higher Than Normal pg  (27-31)  
RDW CV 11.0 Lower Than Normal %  (12.6-15.9)  
Neutrophils 37.1 Lower Than Normal %  (42-75)  
ABS Neutrophils 1.91 Lower Than Normal x10(3)/mcL  (2.0-6.5)
ABS Eosinophils 0.12  x10(3)/mcL  (0-0.6)  
ABS Basophils 0.03  x10(3)/mcL  (0.0-0.1)  

Interpretation: Negative: No significant levels of autoantibodies are present, see below. Borderline: Autoantibodies are present but not at a significant level, see below. Repeat testing in 2-3 weeks is recommended. Positive: Significant levels of autoantibodies are present, see below. If the quantitative levels below are negative, this is indicative of reaction to the bead with the extracted nuclear antigen of Hep2 Cells. Please resubmit another specimen for testing.
  Comments: Manufacturer recalled current lot of ANA reagent. Quantitative autoantibody results to follow when reagent is received Hep2 Immunofluorescent slide result: No fluorescence seen. No fluorescence seen indicates a titer < 1:80 or the analyte does not produce a discernible fluorescent pattern. Titers: Titers start at 1:80 and continue to 1:1280. Pattern: Homogenous, speckled, centromere and nucleolar. Methodology: Hep2 Immunofluorescent slides

Nuclear Ab SEE BELOW      
DNA Double Strand Ab 6  IU/mL  (0-120)  
Ribonucleoprotein Extractable Nuclear Ab 15  AU/mL  (0-120)  
Smith Extractable Nuclear Ab 18  AU/mL  (0-120)  
SS-A Ab 141 Higher Than Normal AU/mL  (0-120)  
SS-B Ab 13  AU/mL  (0-120)  
SCL-70 Extractable Nuclear Ab 10  AU/mL  (0-120)  
Jo-1 Extractable Nuclear Ab 28  AU/mL  (0-120)  
Centromere Ab 3  AU/mL  (0-120)  
Histone Ab 9  AU/mL  (0-12

I was trying to research the level of my SS-S Ab (140), to see the severity, or get some what of an idea as to what it maybe indicating. My Dr. says there is no need for treatment at the moment, but I am symptomatic. I am getting ready to have a minor surgery and am worried I won't heal very easily. Sorry for the lengthy post, but thank you for any information or insight.

[Bec195]

Hi
I do not have the answers but aparently neither does your doctor! I too was very symptomatic and ignored by my doctor. Our bodies are well oiled machines when healthy..slightly off results indicate disease plain and simple. A doctor who doesnt listen is not a healthy choice. Find someone who will listen before you become so sick it is too late! I found a good rheumatologist who listened and paid attention. I am much better after treatment. Do not waste time on those who wont listen or help! It took me nearly a decade to find help. They like to make you think its all in your head

[TheLightSeeker]

Marilyn, you can't go by the  anti-Ro/SSA result to measure disease severity or establish any other useful conclusion,  as it only points to a connective tissue disease like Sjogren's or Lupus.
The tests interpretation unfortunately is based on statistical formulas, which may or may not pertain entirely to your situation.
"Positive results are not diagnostic for any CTD and should be interpreted within the clinical context of the patient."
--Source: Connective Tissue Disease Cascade (CTDC).

You may also want to look outside the conventional box
for underlying causative factors such as hypothyroidism type 1 and type 2 (thyroid resistance), pathogenic mycoplasma infections and co-infections ( undetected by most standard tests), gluten sensitivity ( conventional tests * are incomplete and return too many false negatives ), parasites (symptoms may not be G/I or digestion related) and others

*Look into Gliadin test (urine), by Cyrex labs. They test 12 forms-not just the alpha ordered by most doctors- of gliadins regarding gluten intolerance (not necessarily digestive).
Now they can also test which part of the body is affected.  
Gliadin is a component of gluten.

I hope this helps and should you need any further information, just let me know.

Best wishes,
Niko

[marilynluver]

Thank you for your thorough response. I have been having horrible heart palpitations, hot flashes and get a rash on my neck and chest with any physical activity or when I get out of the shower. I am still awaiting the results to my nail culture. I have been sick for years, and for the last 7 years, have had horrible neck, shoulder and back pain. I have bad eye trouble so now I am on an eye drop etc. I will look into what you mentioned. Thank you for that! And thank you for your insight.

[TheLightSeeker]

You likely have a tissue magnesium deficiency, heat urticaria, candida, chronic biological (hidden ) stress,
low PH (high body acid - NOT high gastric acid!), toxicity and slow lymph circulation among other imbalances.
Conventional doctors don't really do much to help with these- they get mostly ignored!

[marilynluver]

Yes, I just got back from the doctor because of the palpitations etc. He ran an ecg that showed a "lateral infarct" and also" premature atrial complexes". He also found a nodule on my thyroid. So, I had blood drawn and a referral to the cardiologist in place. Also a echo and a holter monitor ordered. I would love to go with that company and have the urine test done, however I am a US national, but am stationed in Germany. Thanks again for all of your help.