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.
Hey guys. I just joined this comm. of Lupus today. I had 1st joined MS, but since talking to my Dr. I'm not sure what I have. I do know that I've had positive symptoms of both Lupus & MS for a # of yrs now. She ran a bunch of blood tests on me last week, called me back to tell me that I had a positive "ANA" & that my "TIDA" (sp?? if I heard her correctly?) was over 160. Does this make sense to any of you? Have any of you had this type of blood test (or one that sounds similiar?)?? She also said that my blood work indicates some type of autoimmune disease & that... "I would much rather have Lupus as MS if I were you." She then proceeded to schedule me an apt. with a neurologist (not a rheumotologist)!?? Maybe she wanted to rule out MS 1st!?? Anyone out there with any thoughts / answers??
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I have had Ttp twice this year I'm 48 my doc said the next time Ttp happens they will take my immune system. Has anyone had this done? Does it work ? What other problems do u get?
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
I think what the Doc was saying was "Titer", such as with (ANA) "antinuclear antibody" titer, a test for lupus and other autoimmune conditions which is probably the first test they run because over 90% of lupus patients test positive for it. You say yours was "160" which probably is actually written out like (1:160). 1:160 and higher is suspect of lupus and or other autoimmune conditions. Mine happens to be (1:1280) and some times it's lower, around (1:640). They considered a test positive or elevated with a serum Titer (greater than or equal to 1:160). There are other test they may perform to help with a lupus/autoimmune diagnosis such as , Anti-DNA, Anti-Sm, Serum (blood) and among others.
This is a very good link, "a site that explains in detail about ANA Serum Titers". You may have to cut and paste the link into your browser.
http://www.uklupus.co.uk/ana.html
You can also find much info about lupus at :
http://www.lupus.org/education/brochures/labtests.html
or you can "Google" it by typing in these relative words, (ANA titer lupus test).
I hope I have helped you understand a little more and I hope I was fairly accurate in explaining it.
Take Great care,
Ken Blake "lupyone"
Also your pattern on ANA can gie them a clue- speckled, or homozygous or other.
Yes, Seeing a neurologist to rule out MS is a good idea, but often the jury is still out on which way it will go, so don't be disappointed if you don't get a clear picture right away. It can take years to resolve and decide which disease it wants to be...fun huh?