ANA results

Hello! I am a 39 yo female, newly diagnosed with AA. About a month ago I found a bald spot on the top of my head, just over 2cm in diameter. My derm gave me a round of kenolog injections and I’m taking a hair vitamin. Went to my family physician and had some labs drawn. Everything came back normal except my ANA was “positive”. My doc hasn’t discussed it with me, I just saw it on my electric chart. My question: what does it mean? I fell down a google rabbit hole and have learned that it’s a small part of a big picture. Anyone have any advise? Do I need to see a rheumatologist? 

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Permalink Reply by TC on October 20, 2018 at 10:25am

Hi Julie, 

I'm sorry that you're having to go though this. A positive ANA usually means there may be an underlying rheumatic disorder such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Scleroderma etc...but it can also be just an anomaly  or false positive. Your doctor needs to review all your results and indicators together (ANA, CRP, Rheumatoid factor, etc..), and depending on this and your symptoms, may decide to retest. Do you have any joint pain, inflammation of the hands/fingers, skin rashes, or any symptoms other than the hairless patches? It can also be a false positive caused by some medications.  Do you take any meds?

It would be a good idea to make an appointment with a rheumatologist. Don't get too carried away with google searches. We've all been there. Anyway you're not alone, we're here for you. Just realize you're going to be ok no matter what.  

 

Permalink Reply by Karen Smith on October 21, 2018 at 10:26pm

My daughter has AU and an elevated ANA. She is being followed by a rheumatologist but everything else is normal. You should definitely go see a rheumatologist and get evaluated.

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