I have been trying to figure this out but cannot find an answer. Do you need to have a positive ANA test to have autoimmune disorder? If not, what are the scenarios? What other autoimmune disorders would you have and what are the tests for them?
Thanks, Rob
Posts: 73 | From ca, usa | Registered: May 2009
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karenl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17753
posted
I think they want an elevated ANA, possibly more than 80. Also Hopkins told me you need to have 4 out of 5 criteria positive to have lupus.
Like: swollen ankels cold hands the ANA kidney trouble like protein .....
I do not remember. The ANA alone is no problem for them.
I think the ANA shows you that your body is fighting something, it can be temporarily. So much for now, I think you get many sophisticated answers here on lymenet.
Posts: 1834 | From US | Registered: Oct 2008
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My LLMD has suspected auto immune in me since the begining of my treatment. Now, 4 years later I finally decided to see a rhumotologist and auto immune specialist. They took 27 vials of blood and literally tested me for every single auto immune they could think of. Not just the auto immune diseases but the antibodies and things that could cause auto immune.
We have suspected lupus but actually they told me I only have thyriodist. Which basically means not normal thyriod. Now I will see an endocronologist to see if I have graves or hoshimoto's or hopefully neither because it hasn't gotten that bad yet.
My rhumotoligst thinks this is secondary to lyme, meaning when the lyme is cured this will go away, but we won't know 100% until I am "cured" or it goes dormit.
My ANA and all those other ones like that were all normal but my thyriod antibodies were 20x's the normal rate. Another good indicator is the C4a. My C3 and C4 were normal but my C4a was 26 times the normal rate. That test is what pushed me to see an auto immune doctor.
If you're in CA I'd be happy to share my doctors with you.
Posts: 484 | From Burlingame, Ca | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
CA as in california?
Posts: 73 | From ca, usa | Registered: May 2009
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lymeparfait
Unregistered
posted
Auto immune dysregulations should go away after lyme and co-infections are addressed.
The longer you delay treatment for lyme and co, the more likely you will retain the auto immune dysfunctions.
My lyme and co's are in remission, but I still have lupus, but thyroid is finally normalized, on its own. Found out I have other ong term underlying issues to address, like Candida, fungus and heavy metals that seem to be interfering with my immune system.
I also had thyroiditis, where my thyroid was overactive then underactive, then normal. Thank God I was not put on any thyroid meds...as that would have created other problems.
Most doctors do not understand the lyme connection, and may treat you as a regular patient, and give you steroids or other drugs that would be counterproductive to lyme and co. and only cause more irreversible problems.
Be cautious. A good LLMD will help with all of your problems, including thyroid or autoimmune problems. My LLMD is an osteopath who balances the whle body.
A lyme literate Rhumy, should have a relationhip with your LLMD. Otherwise it could be a problem with treatment protocols.
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