ANA Test
June 30, 2007Heard back from the rheumatologist’s office…my ANA test finally came back positive. This likely means I do have an autoimmune condition…
I have had the ANA test many times before, and it has always come back negative. The dermatologist said she thought I was “on the verge” of developing an autoimmune condition, so this certainly fits with her theory.
Crohn’s is an autoimmune disease, but there are many others, as well. The rheumatologist does not think it’s Crohn’s (although I still do) because inflammation did not show up on the CT enterography. His guess is lupus, even though lupus does not typically have ANY GI symptoms, and those are by far my main problem! He wants to put me on plaquenil, a long-term maintenance drug for lupus (actually an anti-malarial). It would improve some of my lesser symptoms, but would not affect the GI stuff, is very strong, unsafe for pregnancy, and the main side effect is diarrhea.
Obviously I have no interest in taking plaquenil!
I promptly called Dr. Plansky, my primary, and was able to see him Friday afternoon. He agreed with me that plaquenil is an extreme and unnecessary step to take at this time, and instead suggested a nine-day trial of a low dose of steroids (the amount given for poison ivy). If my GI symptoms improve while on it, it will prove that my GI stuff is being caused by the autoimmune condition, and we can then work at further determining which autoimmune disease I have and how to treat it. If the GI problems do NOT improve on the steroid trial, the theory becomes that I have an autoimmune condition IN ADDITION to whatever is causing the GI problems…in other words, I will then be said to have TWO conditions, and we will not know what EITHER of them are!
We are going to wait until we get back from a week at Camp to begin taking it, both to make sure I’m not currently pregnant (these steroids are class C, so likely unsafe for pregnancy), and because I prefer to be home when trying anything new, just in case. Therefore, it’s going to be at least two weeks until I have anything new to report…
I am encouraged, however, that we have reached a point where Dr. Plansky is willing to try something. This tells me the possible diagnoses are really being narrowed down for him. I think we’re getting closer!
I am SO grateful that this has happened for you….I’m hoping the steroids will interact with your GI symptoms so you’ll be able to continue narrowing down the options. I will be praying that you will not have any problems while you are at camp and that the steroids will be effective when you return. Maybe there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. Love you much!!!
Yay! Progress!
I came back from Maasai-land with GI problems of my own, either from Chai made with dirty water or from the goat. Huge fever, shakes, unbelievable stomach cramps, couldn’t eat anything, terrible headache, and that got followed by diarrhea, which still hasn’t really gone away yet.
Incidentally, is it possible for the positive ANA test result to be an fluke/error? IE, if you took it again, and you came up negative, then what?
Well Jess,
I must say, I am so sorry to hear about your medical and health troubles. I just happened to be browsing myspace after a comment from Cindy got me back there and thought I’d catch up on your website, and WOW! I just read through your whole health ordeal and I don”t know what to say other than you are an incredibly strong person and lucky to have such wonderful friends and family supporting you and I hope you find some relief from your pain soon.
I know nothing about it but through my massage career I treated many clients with many different health conditions, and listened to many stories of nightmarish medical misdiagnosis, etc…I’m sure with all the research you”ve done, you’ve come across this, but in case you haven’t, check out http://www.yeastconnection.com,
I read the associated book some years ago and it could be applicable. It sounds like you are thorough in your research of your condition though so I’m sure this is not news to you. Also though, I would second the comment from someone else earlier suggesting you visit a holistic health care provider, such as a naturopath or at least osteopath- at least they understand the connections between all systems of the body better and have a more open mind about natural, and non-invasive, non-drug treatment methods.
On a lighter note, I love all your pics and your daughter is looking so big! I wish you were feeling as great as you look in you latest pics!
I will be thinking of you and if I come across anything I think may help, I’ll be sure to send it along.
Be Well,
Molly