ANA test good enough?

[steve98]

Just wondering if having an ANA test is good enough to rule out sjogrens? I read it is at least 70% accurate?

I may not be able to convince my doctor to get the other test done if my ANA turns out negative...

Thank You!

[CMNK12]

ana is one of those catch all tests that looks for ai diseases.... BUT does not mean you have or don't have ai disease as it can fluctuate. it is a starter test, you do need more specific testing to determine the disease process ,if any, that you would have. ana can be positive in so many things, even thyroid if it is hashimotos as it is autoimmune.
  what kind of doc ordered the test? if it is negative, and you have symptoms suggestive of sjogrens then ask for a rheumatology referral, this doc will know what type of blood work to do and will do a comprehensive exam and history. good luck. ck

[Ark mom]

My ANA has always been negative, along with all of the other tests, and we have been testing several times a year for three years.  I have had terrible flares and have been very sick all of the while.  Drugs have improved my condition significantly.  You can still have this and/or other autoimmune conditions. 

My GP refused to send me to a rheumatologist because of my negative labs, but my eye doctor put the referral in for me. 

[gold55]

One can have an elevated ANA when having an osteoarthritis flare and osteo isn't autoimmune!

[tammy.rushay]

Hey everybody!! I'm one of the newby's here.. and you guessed I have a question.. I'm being tested for Sjogrens my doc thinks it might be, my ANA and SS b antibodies both came up high, but all my other blood work and urine 's normal..?? I have the joint pain, fatigue , dry eyes, dry mouth, DRY EVERYTHING!!!  They put me on a low dose of predisone today, so.. any ideas.. thanks for your time.. Tammye

[tammy.rushay]

Good morning all,  I was just reading what "gold 55" wrote and I have really bad osteaoartheritis in my neck, the disc are gone.. I just am noticing I have ALL the symptoms of sjogrens.. the dry eyes, my teeth suck , I've had to have a tooth pulled last year because it was killing me even after a root canal!!  My ss b antibody was high and also my ANA.. but everything else is normal in my urine and bloodwork?? Go figure.. I wonder if it from the artheritis in my neck?  any one else got this problem? Thanks for listening to me ramble.. ha ha.   Tammy

[Ark mom]

Tammy, welcome to the board!  I'm sorry that you are having a hard time.  Sjogren's doesn't necessarily cause abnormalities in your other bloodwork and urine.  That is actually a good thing, as it shows that your liver, kidneys, etc. are functioning normally, and that is good news!  I hope you get into a rheumatologist and get things straightened out.  But, yes, a positive ANA lab result, in the absence of signs and symptoms, does not always point to an autoimmune disease. 

In my case, i learned to be an advocate for myself and keep seeking an answer.  My GP wasnt going to stretch his neck out for me.  He told me that the rheumatologist would be annoyed with him if he referred me wih negative lab results.  ??!!!!!   If i had given up, i would be a train wreck.  Hope you get feeling better!  Peace and hugs.

[gold55]

Tammy, I think since we both have the A or B antibodies to SJS.....the ANA is most likely elevated because of the autoimmune disorder.  I too have osteo but what separates me from the people with only osteoarthritis is the SSA Ro Antibody (A) which can indicate SJS, Rheumatoid, Lupus and a couple others.  If I didn't produce the A antibody I don't think my docs would be watching my ANA so closely and running all the immunology panels every 6 mos.

[tammy.rushay]

Thank you so much, gold 55 and Ark mom, this helps.. the predisone is wonderful,  today is the first day Im not in so much pain, I need to crush that stuff up and sprinkle it on salads!!  But they say I can only be on predisone for a short time.. then what..??  . Thanks Tammy

[irish]

Make sure to take the prednisone with food as it can cause stomach ulcers. It is hard on the stomach. Yes, it is a "wonder drug" but does have some side effects that aren't so great. Those of us who need it are glad to take it and the docs need to order it so that we get the most benefit with the least side effects.

If you need it long term it is best taken every other day and can be taken up to 10 mgm every other day without so many bad side effects. The goal is to get other meds on board that will let us get off the prednisone if possible. Good luck. Irish