ANA Testing and Rheumatic Disease

ANA testing is a little known talked about test, but it's a simple blood test that can be ordered by your doctor. The ANA may be important if you are having unusual symptoms but can't seem to pinpoint any one particular ailment. ANA is significant when rheumatic disease of some sort has been detected, and there are several that exists so it is good to learn a little bit about yourself before jumping to conclusions.

Defining Rheumatic Disease

Rheumatic diseases come in many forms, one of which is the most common called "Rheumatoid Arthritis". Although I was diagnosed early in life, my primary care physician now is telling me that only a rheumatologist can diagnose it officially. The reason for this is simple; primary care doctors investigate based upon what you tell them and your medical history, but a rheumatologist will do further blood work to check markers to tell them exactly what it is. I just had an ANA done after a battle with Grave's Disease. Graves Disease is an autoimmune disease just like many rheumatic diseases, but with my thyroid having been taken out doctors have a mixed opinion on what I have now.

ANA testing is done to help give the rheumatologist an idea of where to start. While it could be Rheumatoid Arthritis, it could also be Systemic Lupus, Discoid Lupus, Scleroderma, and a host of other diseases. The ANA at least will point you in the right direction, but it is too general for your primary care physician to give you a solid answer. Additionally, a rheumatologist also is the only doctor that can prescribe you the medicines that are given for these types of diseases, so that is another reason you would need to see them.

General Symptoms of Rheumatic Diseases

In my case, I was getting the test because of the pain I have in my arms and legs. Because my doctor is fully aware of my history, he was okay with me asking for it, but he did feel it was a good idea. This round of thyroid was normal which was good, so we just needed to figure out the rest. Sure enough, my ANA blood test did come back positive. There are two components to the ANA test; the screening and the titer. In my case, both of these were positive, so it was time to discuss the options.

Dr. Humphries, my primary care physician referred me to a rheumatologist right away and gave me a copy of my results which is interesting, but too confusing to study on my own. Don't try to figure them out because you will only worry yourself into an oblivion. It never hurts to educate yourself, but don't make your stress worse. Write down your questions, and ask the doctor when you see him or her.

Treatment for Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatic Diseases are usually considered an inflammatory disease ravaging your body, and steroids are usually given as a short-term solution. Steroids were used for decades, but over time patients were dying with the ill effects of steroids on their body. Today, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are given, which are something like Celebrex, Embrel, or more mild forms that you know very well like Advil and Motrin are very similar. According to Dr. Dennis Humphries, NSAID's are a great option, but sometimes patients get ulcers making treatment a challenge for both the doctor and patient. Additionally, when trying to conceive, those drugs cannot be used. It presents a dilemma for family planning.

Ask your doctor if an ANA test is right for you. If you get sick easily, or you have severe joint pain, don't hesitate to speak up. Getting treatment is important, and no one should have to suffer.

Dennis Humphries, M.D.

Cincinnati, Ohio