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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Lab results question

casey1231
casey1231

Hi all. I have been experiencing extreme pain and fatigue, and my blood work showed ANA of 1:640 and anti smith antibody of 36. I'm confused if the anti smith antibody is considered positive? It's hard to find a reference range and I can't get into a rheumatologist until 7/13. I have no rash. Any feedback appreciated thanks!

nanny1611
nanny1611
Can't really offering any feedback, because I don't always understand the readings. However, here is an article from Mayo Clinic that might help a little. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/81358

Hope this helps.
bgaineshunter
bgaineshunter
Hi! The reference range for the anti-SM antibody is 0.
kat1d1d
kat1d1d
Every rheumy I've seen has their own opinions about results and don't forget different labs can produce different readings. Best if you discuss each lab with your doctor and have him/her explain its relevance and impact. They can also tell you which ones apply the most in your specific case and what they'll be keeping an eye on. Your presenting symptoms influence how they interpret your labs. I know it's frustrating, but labs are only a small part of the Lupus equation.
kat1d1d
kat1d1d
Was just chatting with my local Lupus support group. Turns out only 3 of 10 of us in the room has a rash. I looked it up and the stats range from 40-50%, so even if you don't get the rash that doesn't mean you don't have Lupus.

If you don't mind me asking, is the pain your experiencing in your joints? Any muscle pain? My first symptoms of Lypus (when it hit it's tipping point) was extreme pain and horrible fatigue that just got worse and worse. The rash didn't appear until almost half a year later and it was "triggered" by a medication that I took that's contraindicated in Lupus. Whoops!

I'm not a doctor, but if you look up the criteria for a Lupus diagnosis, you might be able to identify things before your doc visit which will help with the convo. Here's a great resource on this:

http://www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/lupus-facts/lupus-diagnosis

Remember: you only have to have 4 to meet the criteria AND they do not all have to be present at once.

If you already knew this, sorry to be redundant. I think no matter how long you have this illness, it's a constant learning and sharing process. Best of luck and I hope you feel better soon!
mrsrodriguez1201
mrsrodriguez1201
I have experienced only one rash. I have a wide range of symptoms but the infamous rash and the sun exposure is not one of them. My numbers for all my labs were all through the roof with a positive ANA.
casey1231
casey1231
Hi all thanks for the replies. I'm feeling a bit better. I had weeks of unrelenting muscle pain, joint pain, neuropathy, and debilitating fatigue. I could barely function. I saw a neurologist to rule out any neuro issues, he doesn't think I have any but I had an MRI of my brain today to be sure. I am seeing rheumatologist in a few weeks. My ANA was homogeneous 1:640. I was diagnosed over 20 years ago with fibromyalgia but have done very well with yoga, Advil, quitting smoking, and various other things. I have had "flares" over the years, I now wonder if it was something else. This last 1-2 months I have experienced pains like never before. Thank you for well wishes I will keep all posted. I hope you all are well too!