... Hi. I meant to write earlier but lost my reminder (sorry). Anyway, although I'm only a patient, I see why he thinks something autoimmune could be developing. But as far as how he may be counting lupus criteria, I'd wonder about your rash. You said it's on your legs, neck, and trunk; also that it comes and goes quickly. It's that "quickly" part that doesn't jive with what I... (3 replies)

... DNA test was done. ... (3 replies)

... Hi & welcome. I'm sorry your daughter has problems but glad she's seeing a rheumatologist. I'm only a patient, so please read this in that light. I'd first aim for a basic understanding of autoimmunity. A normal immune system creates antibodies to fight viruses, bacteria, etc. In lupus and other AI's, the immune system is mistakenly creating unwanted AUTO-antibodies that... (3 replies)

... My sis's labs were fine but her dr. neglected for 6 years to test thyroid function. Ooops! ... (5 replies)

... I have an appt. to get a second opinion for my infertility next month and I will bring all this up with him as well. Hopefully he'll agree to test me for the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Is this just 1 blood test? ... (6 replies)

... Lori, Where lupus is a possibility, I think elevated B.U.N. and creatine in bloodwork are signs kidneys aren't filtering properly. (I just reread your original post & realized you said those values were NOT QUITE out of range.) And urinalysis includes checks for "urine casts" and for protein in the urine, which are also signs of abnormal kidney function. Have they... (6 replies)

... DNA with a negative ANA. Just to note, you can still have children if you have APLS, they don't all end in miscarriages. A miscarriage is just a red flag to test for this. I never understood why people who miscarry, aren't automatically tested for this. ... (6 replies)

... DNA is just one test that is specific for lupus. Although yours is a low positive, the number may change over the next few years and it should definitely be watched. ... (6 replies)

... My dr. had said all my tests were fine. The ANA screen came back negative though. Should I inquire about the Anti DS DNA? ... (6 replies)

... I remember having a blood test done a while ago when I was being worked up for something else, and the test said something about being positive for anti ds-DNA ase, and I know this is an antinuclear antibody, but does it mean that I'm going to get lupus at some time in my life? Or does it just mean that I had inflammation or something? My aunt has lupus, scleroderma, and... (1 replies)

... Hi. Apparently anti-ds-DNA can vacillate: it can be higher just before, or at the start of, flares; and once it turns positive, it stays positive. I don't know that it's a titer test, though (sorry), you'd have to ask. Unfortunately, if the reference range on the report says >10 is positive, then >20 appears to be solidly positive, but you should confirm with someone familiar... (3 replies)

... your test results. ... (3 replies)

... Thanks for your input VeeJ. The followup with my GP is open. It's pretty much up to me. I can see him on fairly short notice. Since I posted my message I have done some reading and I see that many rheumie's diagnose a patient with Lupus based solely on the anti-ds-DNA. Makes sense if it is very selective and it is so hard to make a diagnosis otherwise anyway. I'll discuss this... (3 replies)

... if he didn't run that test yet. I hope you keep posting here. Keep at it! ... (3 replies)

... Destiny, hi. Your first question: I think there are two different measuring systems for ANA. (1) The first is a simple ratio, like the 1:40 you mentioned. I *think* some experts consider 1:30 (and above) to be high. (2) In the second measuring system, the number doubles for each dilution. Examples: 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, 1:640, 1:1280, etc. I *think* some experts... (3 replies)

... and my Anti DS DNA result was positive, no number was listed. ... (3 replies)

... On my last bloodwork, the results were back to my doctor's office within a week. On my lab work, the normal reading for anti-DS-DNA was 0-4 and mine came back at 47. Good luck with everything and let us know how your results turn out. Tricia (3 replies)

... I will be extremely interested to see what the rheumie tells you. I too have suffered the same symptoms as you for two years, including a persistent rash. I had my rheumie appointment about two months ago and had a positive ANA at 1:320 with similar results as you. The rheumie I saw said the positive ANA didn't mean anything, that I had fibromyalgia, and dismissed me with no... (15 replies)

... For the past month and a half i've had a series of diffrent symptoms; headaches, body aches, joint pain, face pain, and fatigue. I went to see my Doctor, and he ordered basic lab work. When I returned for my follow up he stated to me all my blood work was negative, I stated to him that i still felt sick, he went ahead and ordered more blood work, a week later I went to see him... (15 replies)

... aka Hughes' syndrome, aka "sticky blood" syndrome. FYI, there are sticky posts at the top of the thread list on APS, on lupus diagnostic criteria, and on lupus test results. ... (2 replies)