My sister is waiting for a diagnosis on a multitude of symptoms. I believe it is likely Lyme Disease. Our son is in this battle so we know it well.
Recent blood work showed elevated ANA but negative for Rheumatoid. Of course, her PCP gave her a referral to a Rheumatologist but wouldn't really entertain the idea that she may have Lyme.
Just curious what others have experienced.
Posted by cordor (Member # 9449) on :
Yes, my ANA is elevated (at very high levels) and then goes back down to normal, then elevated again. I have been told that I have an autoimmune Connective tissue disorder. There is a strong family history of Lupus, so I think that is where they are leaning. Oh course, they don't seem interested in the fact that I also have chronic Lyme.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Q: Anyone else with elevated ANA?
Yeah, most everyone, at one time or another. Very common for those with lyme.
Tell your sister to forget the rheumatologist and find an ILADS-educated LLMD. Rheumatologists follow the IDSA and don't generally believe in lyme and will slap on the label of fibromyalgia and toss to patients handfuls of antidepressants that further the stress the liver.
Lupus is very often, lyme. Lyme can cause autoimmune problems of all kinds. When the infection is adequately treated, that often normalizes.
Find an ILADS-educated Lyme Literate MD. They will know what to do. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
In addition to the usual coinfections from ticks (such as babesia, bartonella, ehrlichia, RMSF, etc.), there are some other chronic stealth infections that an excellent LLMD should know about:
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LLMD VISIT -
Posted by IckyTicky (Member # 21466) on :
Yes..I had elevated ANA. PCP says Lupus possibly or scleroderma but my LLMD says not to worry about it. He sees Lyme patients all the time with elevated ANA that goes back to normal once infection is under control.
Posted by kimmie (Member # 25547) on :
Yes, sadly Dr J's office called to inform me that my 9 year old daughter has a + ANA and + lupus anticoagulant reflex. She inherited my bad gene...HLA DR4 which makes us more difficult to treat and prone to autoimmune reactions. It just keeps on coming....
Posted by karenl (Member # 17753) on :
Codor, please get tested for chlamydia pneumonia -it is very often the reason for very high ANA and tissue problems.cpnhelp.org Lupus is now treated as infectious disease, I am on doxy.Also LDN can be helpful.