Melody,

I have seen some of your posts and videos from PN meetings, but don't know much about Alan's diagnosis or symptoms. But I can say that Lupus is certainly not the only autoimmune disease associated with a positive ANA. So a work up beyond lupus should be done. As Glenn says, more detailed info about the results of his test...as in how high the level was and what pattern (speckled, double banded, etc) would be helpful.

Are there specific symptoms he has that you have no explanation for that you think might be autoimmune?

Of course, PN is associated with some autoimmune conditions. Do you have a diagnosis for his PN? Or is it idiopathic?

It is definitely possible to be sero-negative (no positive blood work) with an autoimmune disease. Blood tests for AI disease are more for 'markers' of the disease, not ones showing an active disease process. Actually, almost 40% of Sjogren's patients are sero-negative. I am one and was diagnosed by salivary gland biopsy. Sometimes blood markers turn positive years after diagnosis, sometime they don't.

That said, anytime a positive ANA appears, ALL autoimmune conditions should be explored, if the patient is experiencing any unexplained symptoms.

It's best to know 'what' tests were run and the results. Extensive to one doctor may not be extensive to another.

HI. Alan has idiopathic PN. No other symtoms. He's been tested for everything under the sun. He does have psoriasis.

Very frustrating.

Thanks much

Melody

If there is no other symptoms/problems, I wouldn't worry about the ANA. Should that change, then he should consider another work up.

How can it change? It's always positive. Do you mean, if it ever goes from positive to negative??

Thanks,
Melody

I meant if he starts to have unexplained symptoms (a change from no other symptoms now)...then have another work up.

Ah, I get you now. My husband is essentially a couch potato who gets NO exercise whatsoever. Can't walk to much because of a recurring foot ulcer. I try to encourage him to do fun stuff (to get his mind off of his neuropathy). But if anything changes, we'll be sure to tell our Dr. Fred.

And last night I challenged him to make his own ice cream in the Vitamix. This is a man who NEVER goes in the kitchen. Will not learn to cook, well, forget it.

I put my foot down and got it all on tape. He was a very good sport.

This has essentially nothing to do with neuropathy but I'm sharing this to encourage all of those who have neuropathy, that they can find ways to laugh once in a while.

Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU7bsL1heG4

Melody

Mel, if you search ANA, you'll find medical sites that explain the ANA does go up and return to normal... it does change even in people with autoimmune disease.

If Alan has normal kidneys, no butterfly rash on the face, no arthritis, no dry eye or dry mouth, no thyroid disease, or progressing PN up the legs and into the arms, etc, then I guess the doctor will not attend to the result.
The ANA also may not be that high, either.