posted
I just was faxed a test result because another md wanted to rule out lupus ontop of my lyme. Positive on lyme for two months now. He said well, lets not jump to conclusion on lyme and rule out lupus because in the office my face got red and he said it is like a butterfly rash lupus patients get. So now I have these test results possitive on ANA and for the speckled pattern is abnormal 1:80 (range is 1:40 is normal) which could be fibromyalgia, scleraderma, lupus etc. panic!!!!!!!! anyone also had this high??? please let me know asap Im really panicing. I e-mailed my lyme dr but have not heard from her yet. The dr. that ordered this test is a holistic md but wants to treat everything holistic but said I do not have lyme because the bloodwork does not show any infection. CBC. Im so lost. I am taking antibiotics anyways. I do feel better on them. any input??? Posts: 45 | From Redlands, Calif | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
Yes, I have had abnormal ANA and I have read that many others (with Lyme) have as well. But l:80 is really not that high or abnormal. With Lupus it usually titers way out to the hundreds and thousands. I wouldn't be overly concerned or panicked about this.
Sadie
Posts: 115 | From new york | Registered: May 2006
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2 of my Lyme positive family members have the same results and have otherwise been rheumatalogically ruled out.(lupus etc.). you are not alone.
Travlr1
Posts: 66 | From West Coast | Registered: Jul 2006
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
This has been discussed in months past...and yes, lyme can indeed progress to a dx: "autoimmune".
My sister who TESTED positive for lyme and was on nonstop abx for years (all of them and treated for babesia as well) has now been dx'd "autoimmune".
She is on $$$ Humira shots which help...to a degree, but do not stop the crippling arthritis or joint destruction. The "side effects" of Humira include TB and cancer. Her doctor added Foxamax for her osteoporosis(which RAISES TNF alpha and C-Reactive protein...not heart friendly) and now...Methotrexate (HIV drug) which further depletes choline.
She has chosen to go the "traditional route".
For those who don't know:
Normally, we have antibodies in our blood that are used to repell invaders into our body, such as virus and bacteria microbes.
Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are unusual antibodies, detectable in the blood, that have the capability of binding to certain structures within the nucleus of the cells.
The nucleus is the innermost core within the body's cells and contains the DNA, the genetic material. ANAs are found in patients whose immune system may be predisposed to cause inflammation against their own body tissues.
Antibodies that are directed against one's own tissues are referred to as auto-antibodies.
The propensity for the immune system to work against its own body is referred to as autoimmunity. ANAs indicate the possible presence of autoimmunity and provide, therefore, an indication for doctors to consider the possibility of autoimmune illness.
How is the ANA test designed and what is it for?
The ANA test was designed by Dr. George Friou in 1957. The ANA test is performed using a blood sample. The antibodies in the serum of the blood are exposed in the laboratory to cells.
It is then determined whether or not antibodies are present that react to various parts of the nucleus of cells. Thus, the term anti-"nuclear" antibody.
Fluorescence techniques are frequently used to actually detect the antibodies in the cells, thus ANA testing is sometimes referred to as fluorescent antinuclear antibody test (FANA). The ANA test is a sensitive screening test used to detect autoimmune diseases.
Now...there are 2 ways to look at this:
1. The body is attacking itself
2. The body is trying to find another way to protect itself (trying to downregulate too much TNF alpha perhaps..one protein downregulating another)
Find the discussion re: NFkB which a researcher linked to the chronic aspect of lyme. Tyrosine is one thing that INactivates this. In lyme there appears to be a tryosine-tryptophan "defect". It is Mg related.
Consider a far infrared sauna...buying one...after studying and learning how and why it might help.
Don't expect miracles overnight. The body heals slowly. Give it time.
Posts: 9424 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
hi was also positive--speckled pattern-for a while, and then turned negative. Have been negative for the past 3 years.
Posts: 169 | From former Philadelphian | Registered: Jun 2006
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