It sounds like your antibody results have shifted over time — from ANA and anti-dsDNA positive to now ANA-negative with positive anti-chromatin. That can feel really confusing, especially after 30 years!
Here's what's important to know: ANA and other antibody levels can genuinely change over time. This is actually Show Full Answer
It sounds like your antibody results have shifted over time — from ANA and anti-dsDNA positive to now ANA-negative with positive anti-chromatin. That can feel really confusing, especially after 30 years!
Here's what's important to know: ANA and other antibody levels can genuinely change over time. This is actually well-documented in lupus. A negative ANA doesn't automatically mean lupus is gone or ruled out. A few things worth knowing about this situation:
- Some people with lupus can test ANA-negative but still have other positive autoantibodies (like anti-chromatin)
- Labs can interpret and run ANA tests differently, which can affect results
- Lupus diagnosis is based on the full picture — symptoms, history, and multiple test results together — not just one test
Given your 30-year history, it would be worth having a deeper conversation with your rheumatologist about what your anti-chromatin result means in the context of your overall health history. A second opinion from another rheumatologist may also be worth considering if you feel your concerns aren't being fully addressed.
May 19
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