Antinuclear Antibodies

[Hillbeans]

Does anyone have any experience with an elevated Antinuclear Antibody count? I had some bloodwork done due to a painful right calf (had myself convinced it was DVT for the last month) but now have to go to a Rheumatologist for a workup. When I think of Rheumatologist I think arthritis, but I don't see that being the case. Was just hoping that someone had some experience with this.

 

[Christine]

Elevated ANA indicates possible autoimmune disorder. Mostly, rheumatologists handle those disorders (since rheumatoid arthritis falls into the category of autoimmune disorder).

Yours must have been relatively high for them to send you off to a specialist?

 

[KPeveler]

ANA is high with almost every autoimmune disorder, from RA to Lupus... or myositis, which is inflammed muscle... its can hugely vary. it can also sometimes just be randomly high.

a rheumatologist will do a work up for all these things. if you were referred there, DEFINITELY go... damage from auto immune disorders tends to be permanent, and some can be "silent" but nasty. it is better to get checked out and find out it is nothing than miss catching something early!

 

[Hillbeans]

Well my count was 114 and she said anything from 0 - 100 is in the normal range so mine is just above that. My calf does not look swollen from the outside and it doesn't "hurt", but it started feeling different after a flight from California in December and it felt as if I had restless leg where for any length of time I sit I feel a throbbing.

Interestingly enough, I've been exercising a lot more lately and it doesn't hurt at all when i'm on the ellipse or treadmill.

 

[LBAK]

My ANA was elevated when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's Syndrome.

 

[KPeveler]

its not terribly high, so hopefully you will get the bloodwork done by a rheumy and be told everything is fine! here's hoping for the best!