I have reciently recieved the rusults of my ana titer it is 1:40... My doctor said it was positive for lupus but so low that it is a false positive; but If I wish to pursue further I can request to see a speciaist. I was also recently diagnosed as sever Iron defiecent previous to this ana test and had to have Iron infusions to which I responded well and am no longer anemic. I have had headaches, lower backaches, missed periods, flacking peeling skin on the bottom of my feet as well as continued fatige and coldness of hands and feet from the anemia. Should I see a specialist even though my doctor does not believe I acutally have lupus and all these things unrelated?
The views expressed by me are for educational purposes only and do not establish a doctor patient relationship.
Hello
Thanks for your question.
Lupus diagnosis needs to meet certain criteria besides positive ANA titer.
Also other autoimmune disorders can cause positive ANA titer as well.
Hence, given the persistent symptoms, you should see a specialist like Rheumatologist for further evaluation.
other possibilities include thyroid disorder, adrenal gland dysfunction, pituitary gland problem in the brain, estrogen and progestin imbalance.
so It is worth it to pursue further to at least rule out lupus or know if that is what is causing my syptoms
yes of course.
you definitely need to see a rheumatologist.
okay thank you based on how my doctor phrased everything she made it seem like it was a false positive and no need to further pursue
no this is not correct.
Given your symptoms, and abnormal result, you do need further evaluation.
Best wishes,
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how common is a false positive result
it is possible in 10-20% of cases.
but, this can also be suggestive of an underlying condition.
if the specialist does not find any other findings, then this should be taken as false positive.
But this should not be assumed.
okay thank you ... this helped me make the decision I was waivering back and forth about whether or not to see the rheumatologist and was slightly upset that this was left up to me to decide I appreciate your advice
Very welcme