When my 13 year old tested positive for ANA, childrens hospital said what Henry said 4/11 is what they look for. Since he is 13, they tested for mono to see if he had had that before (one of the indicators in teens). They also said they will keep monitoring him as he keeps getting older because he doesn’t show any of the other indicators right now. He is young. Anything like stress or sickness can activate it and start it if you have tested positive and don’t have the diagnosis. Doesn’t mean you have it or will have it, just means you are susceptible to it and need to be aware. That’s what Childrens Hospital said to us.

My first diagnosis was Sjogren's. To obtain the Sjogren's diagnosis several salivary glands were surgically removed then evaluated. Then approximately a year or so later my doctor informed me I had primary SLE and secondary Sjogren's. Years ago SLE was based more on symptoms than lab values. My doctor felt I probably had SLE for greater than 10 years and this was a long time ago. The doctor monitor's my progress using C3 & C4. My low C3 and C4 increase somewhat with treatment. You gotta love Plaquenil. I was on daily 10mg Prednisone for years. Broke both wrists and now I won't touch the stuff willingly. My initial before treatment ANA was 1:1280. My after treatment baseline ANA ran 1:160 - 1:320 - elevated but much improved. I read somewhere after age 65 ANA levels may be elevated - I guess aging aches, pains, and inflammatory conditions must be the explanation. Even now days, I've read it can take up to 6 years for a diagnosis even with advanced technology. Ironically, I have friends who have SLE and our common link is being RN's. When I first started in Nursing we would give standard IV Chemo on a regular medical surgical floor with little to no self precautions. Times change - now look at all the precautions. Just remember it's a process - the process alone can cause pain and fatigue. Thinking of you. Hugs and sending you positive energy. Vicky

A positive ANA can also indicate Sjogren’s……you need to talk to your Doc about the results.

@A MyLupusTeam Member. I’ve never heard that before …..interesting….

Thank you all. I truly appreciate your thoughts and good counsel.