Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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StephH77 02/09/2012

Did any of you ladies have a negative ANA result soon after your symptoms started? If so, did it eventually turn positive, and how long did that take?

My symptoms started in October after the birth of my daughter and have gotten progressively worse. Had blood work done beginning of January, all came back negative (rh factor, ANA, sed rate and one more).

My new rheumy said we will wait until April to re-run tests if my symptoms persist. So for now, I have to rely on Motrin and am basically suffering until then, hoping every day that I will wake up feeling better and it doesn't happen. :( Thanks!

deleted_user 02/09/2012

When I was first tested my ANA was neg as was all my other labs except the the anti-ds DNA. If that hadn't been positive they hem to would have written me off. That positive lab prompted him to retest me and sent me labs this time to a rheum lab in CA. This was within 1 month. The 2nd time my ANA was positive and the anti-ds DNA was pos too. The anti-ds DNA is an auto antibody that is much more specific to lupus. You ANA can change pretty quick and a pos ANA is not always needed to make a diagnosis as long as you meet enough of the other criteria. Do you know if you doc ran the anti-ds DNA??

StephH77 02/09/2012

I don't think they ran that in Jan, but the rheumy gave me a script for the new blood work, in case I need it done sooner than April, and the DNA test is included. The script he gave me seems more comprehensive, and (if I am reading it correctly) includes ANA/ENA profile including DNA, ANA titer, Sed rate, CRP, CCP Antibody, and Rh factor. So it seems this blood work will try to determine if it's RA vs lupus.

I am hoping NOT to get a diagnosis, but I also want to know that I am not insane, and that there is a reason for my multiplying symptoms. If i do have some autoimmune problem, I just want to get to treating it properly so that I can feel better. Thanks for your help! :)

deleted_user 02/09/2012

You can still be diagnosed with Lupus even if you have a negative ANA. I remember reading someplace that a percentage of people with Lupus have a negative ANA. There are some people that eventually get a positive result though.

deleted_user 02/11/2012

Here's a link to other tests that can prove you have Lupus. I got it from Mrs.Lupus's facebook page.
http://www.hss.edu/professional-conditions_does-ana-negative-lupus-exist.asp

mar1976 02/12/2012

Yes, you can have a negative ANA and be diagnosed, it is called sero negative lupus. I had lupus symptoms for years before my diagnosis, and finally it turned positive 3 years ago. It takes the average lupie 4 years to get a diagnosis. Lupus centers are the best places to go. Thanks boofy for sharing a link to my page. xo

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