don't know what to do or expect???

  • Thread starter Thread starter jenz11
  • Start date Start date
J

jenz11

Guest
I have just got my ASA test back in "ab"normal range and it is speckled. I had to have my Thyroid removed 14 years ago because of Graves. My doctor did tell me that autoimmune problems usually come in 3's. They did not tell me much about the nurabers of the ASA test just that they came back abnormal and and was a low nuraber so they really didn't know if it was anything or not. They said I needed to go see a rhumatologist (sp) so they made me and appointment and I go see him on October 13.

What does the speckled part really mean??? and what can I expect from the doctors visit, for some reason I am expecting all kind of test and it is making me kinda nervous. I feel awful, I hurt all over and nothing is helping. What do I do until I get to the doctor? I got the swine flu a few weeks ago and I just can't get back to normal. I have no energy and my body, ribs and feet are hurting really bad. It is hard to work because of my feet hurting so bad, I'm a hairdresser, so i'm on my feet all the time.... I have to work to make money and pay bills but I don 't know how I'm doing it. The pain is really bad and nothing seems to help. Any information or answers would greatly appreciated. Just trying to understand what may be happening to me and really just want to feel better. Thanks in advance and I wish I knew exeactly what to ask but hopefully some of you will be able to help. :)
 
I just wanted to direct you to the sticky post above re :labs. It has a wonderful link for lupus info, particularly the labs used in diagnosis. Take a look. I found it very informative.
 
Jenz11, hi & welcome! First, I'm just a patient, so please read this in that light, OK?

Do you mean the ANA test? (I think there's one called ENA, too.) Whatever the name, I *think* such tests are pretty similar: some substance is added to your blood sample that fluoresces (lights up under the microscope) if unwanted autoantibodies are present. Patterns include speckled, rimed & homogeneous. But ANA can elevate in MULTIPLE things: various rheumatological conditions, certain blood disorders, certain endocrine disorders, etc. Also, "speckled" isn't correlated to a single condition.

Meaning... I'm afraid that knowing ANA is positive and speckled doesn't tell your drs. and you enough YET.

Like your dr. said, I've also read that a *low-positive* ANA doesn't necessarily mean you have anything new. For example, it could be low-positive merely due to a passing virus, or due to a family tendency, or simply due to aging. Plus, the test itself is REALLY TRICKY for lab techs to perform, so there's a margin of error!

If your rheumie decides to run more tests: The specific autoantibody tests described in that "sticky" about labs require only a normal blood draw. Urinalysis is typically done, too. But whether the rheumie will order other tests beyond those (because of your rib pain, your past thyroid surgery, etc.), I don't think you can know until you get there (sorry!).

Also, the rheumie should take a thorough lifetime medical history. Ask about all meRAB (incl. OTC's) you've taken recently. Take BP, listen to heart, do physical exam, etc.

But I think the main thing is NOT to hit the panic button prematurely! For example, while I've read that some people do get multiple autoimmunes, I've truly never heard they come in bunches of THREE, as your dr. said. (If they do, I'm in trouble, because I've only been Dx'ed with one so far! :D)

For more in-depth info, check out the new "sticky post" titled "Resources".

Meanwhile, please hang in there & post more when you can, OK? Bye for now. Sending my warm wishes to you, sincerely, Vee
 
Let me start by saying thanks to Goldyfm and Vee. :) I will check the sticky part out... Thanks again...

Vee... I did mean ANA. My daughter plays softball and I am just use to typing ASA so that was a mix up on my part. Kinda funny.LOL. Thanks For your reply and I will let you know when I can find something out....

The part about autoimmune disorders coming in 3 seems to be true... I have read in it more than one place and my doctor told me that too. It my only be the case if your 1st autoimmune was thyroid????? I just don't know. I know something is not right with me at this time and I really hope I Have a good doctor and he can figure out what it is. I have a life and would love to get active in it again. Thanks again:-)
 
Jenz, I had the same dread when I heard the theory that some risk factors for certain medical conditions (like obese, diabetic, gender, age, for example) sometimes included redheaRAB. It is funny how we tend to dwell on certain bits of info we have heard in the past. For me, I don't remeraber breaking any mirrors or walking under any ladders lately, but I definitely have bad luck. I would not worry about the superstition. I once did a search on superstitions, and if I gave any importance to the majority of them, I would never get out of bed. Try not to worry, you will have your answers soon. I know for me, the not knowing was worse that the knowing. At least once you have your answers, you know what you face and can focus on a method of treatment. I do wish you well.
 
Back
Top