ANA Question

[fig65]

I just had a positive ANA test. Titer 1:80, patterns: speckled/homogeneous
I have experienced many MS - like/Sjogren's symptoms for several years. Does a result like this confirm the diagnosis or do they have to run more tests? What are the chances of this being a false positive? My primary has referred me to a rheum., but still waiting on the apt. I'm pretty scared, don't want to find out I have Lupus. My gut has been MS until now, and if I had to choose between the 2, well I would not choose Lupus. I was in tears yesterday after I found out about this positive test result.

[karajo]

All of these ladies are people are correct.  an ANA of 1:80 is considered a low titer and although is in the positive range, it is very low positive.  Mine has ranged from neg. to 1:2560.  In order to recieve a dx of lupus, you must have at leat 4 out of 11 criteria (symptoms).  ANA can be seen in some types cancers, other autoimmune diseases and in healthy people.  

Do you have joint pain or is all of your symptoms nerological?

[TheLightSeeker]

Hey fig65,
Do not stress as your positive ANA titer 1:80 by itself is meaningless in my opinion.
It is borderline and not useful in diagnosis of any condition at all unless all the other tests and diagnostic criteria are positive and confirmatory.
Take extremely good care of your health, using natural and holistic approaches. Eat and drink the healthiest way possible, include physical activity daily, practice deep breathing as much as possible, meditate daily
even if you do not know how, you can listen to meditation cds and distress!
If you are really concerned about your health, consider these suggestions and also take time to research the A/I community posts, as there's a wealth of info and advice.
There are some members here that have useful information from personal experience that you may never get from your rheumy or specialist. Knowledge is power and it helps to make informed decisions when dealing with chronic and serious health conditions.
Wishing you well.
Niko

[gina3766]

I have just been told I have a positive ANA test too but from what I am learning that definitely doesn't mean you have lupus.  I have to go to see a Rheum as well and I know they are going to run more tests.  Positive ANA can mean many different types of autoimmune diseases or not at all so don't panic yet.  (that is what I am trying to tell myself too)