OK, so THIS time the ANA came back, nucleolar 1:640. (No mention of speckled like last time....it was mixed then.) Now this is a different lab, and it will be redone at my old lab, BUT....I am reading CREST or Scleroderma....on the other hand, my ENA is still negative, no Scl 70. This is nuts. The ENA this time was pretty limited, SSA, SSB, scl 70 and rnp/sm.

I know there is NO cut and dried forumla to this, but, am I correct in drawing some preliminary conclusions?

Yes, I still feel like cr@p and am afraid of melting now in the sun....foooooo.

I doubt that I can offer anything you haven't already considered, but know how difficult it is to always feel like you've been run over by a truck.

There have even been times I've thought I would have to get better to die .

Have you ever looked at LabTestsOnline for their interpretations of lab results. If you haven't, here is the link for the ANA test:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/unders...na/glance.html

I'm afraid I don't know all your history, but have seen your concern about Sjogren's and Scleroderma. Have you looked at your symptoms compared to those of Lupus? LTO suggests that may be one of the conditions associated with high titres and positive SSA/B, and recommends a couple of other tests that may confirm that.

Oh, I have hit the end of the internet on ANA patterns....today I wired in my diswasher for a change of pace, lol. (It really isn't that hard, those plumbers and electricians should have to learn how to do IVs....)

I know what my ANA IMPLIES.....I just have to see it in writing to digest it.

Wiring a dishwasher. I'm impressed. But, how the heck do you get your fingers to work well enough to wire anything. I have difficulty just trying to button a shirt.

I installed a new thermocouple and igniter in my hot water heater last week. The hardest thing about it was getting back up off of the the floor.

I don't use fingers, I use pliers....needle nose pliers are kind of my prosthesis. There is a tool for everything, and everything NEEDS a tool.

Also, my husband, since he couldn't do the wiring for some reason....had to get ME up off the floor. It wasn't pretty.

This whole thing wasn't my idea....my stupid electrician neglected to wire my dishwasher cord and garbage disposal cord. My plumber was cursing about the work he already had to do....so, I did the dishwasher.

I think PNers need a compensatory tool belt....available in pink, blue and green, made from recycled material and available for only $19.99????

Oh Plg...they make tools for buttoning shirts. People with RA know all about these adaptive tools. You can find websites on the net with these devices. I don't do buttons either...hmm, I need that tool too.

good old fashion button hook......helped someone into a antique wedding gown with one of those.......

I already have a tool for that. It's called a husband

I really didn't know they made such things. I just found one over he web, and looks like they work just like the needle threader that I never had to use until the onset of PN. Thanks!

Because we bought a money pit, I have had some opportunity to make some things in the house more adaptable....the issue of stairs remains that, an issue I have to cope with for now. The stairs have actually kept me more mobile, since if I want to pee or sleep, I must go up or down. At some point, we will have a bit of an issue and likely have to have a main level bathroom or get a new house....and I prefer not to move.

Anyway, I put in lever door handles, which is good because I can't turn things very well. Even the key in the car is a problem. I bought an electric jar opener, electric can opener, and when I redid my kitchen, a lot of the lower cabinets have pull outs or are drawers....(this is nice!) Everything has its place. Padded large handled things work pretty well....as do, electric things....and of course, the OLD FASHIONED BUTTONER!

I wonder if Roomba works??

My mom has a balance disorder called MdDS, and the stairs became a real concern for my dad. So he installed one of those electric chairs that she can sit in to ascend and descend the stairs. She loves it.

Might be an option less expensive than a bathroom.