AboutAmelia Yaussy Expertise I can answer questions about systemic scleroderma and live and internet resources to help you cope with this disease. I have personal experince with scleroderma, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and Sjogren's Syndrome.
Experience I am a systemic scleroderma patient (12 years) and have been active in support online for nearly the same amount of time. I proposed the Usenet newsgroup alt.support.scleroderma and own the website ihavescleroderma.com.
Organizations I am a board member and volunteer for the Scleroderma Foundation, Ohio Chapter.
Publications Arthritis Today, Sept 1997, "A guide to the internet"
Education/Credentials International Webmasters Association, Web Technologies Certification
Awards and Honors Volunteer of the Year, Scleroderma Foundation, 2004; Advocacy Appreciation Award, Scleroderma Foundation, 2005
Expert: Amelia Yaussy Date: 10/26/2007 Subject: lupus like symptoms, but ANA neg
Question I am a 28 yr old female who has been experiencing strange symptoms for the past year and a half. It started with continuous hair loss for months at a time, followed by fatigue, joint pain in knees and a rash that comes and goes on my lips. These symptoms would come and go for the course of several months. Then upon becoming pregnant they disappeared until the 6 month mark. My OB did a ESR, RF, and ANA test. The ESR was 32, RF 13 and ANA negative. I was told it was nothing to worry about. Well, since my son was born three months ago, the joint pain and stiffness is now in my hands, wrists and knees almost every day. I am also now getting canker sores in my mouth along with all of the other combined symptoms. My PCP said to see a Rheumatologist, but with a negative ANA, she doesn't think it is autoimmune. I feel like she thinks I am crazy. I am in so much pain from the arthritis and I am so fatigued no matter how much sleep I get. Do you have any advice? Should I see the Rheumatologist?
Answer Your negative ANA does support the idea that it's not an autoimmune disease - for now. But that doesn't rule out other conditions, like fibromyalgia, to account for your symptoms, or maybe a combination of conditions, or an early or rare negative ANA result in AI disease.
See the rheumatologist - s/he is best qualified to sort through the symptoms and test results to find an answer. Have patience and work with her/him - it may still be awhile before you can, together, find the right diagnosis and treatment for you.
