How Many Have A Low-Positive Ana?

[westernmass]

I believe there is an underlying autoimmune issue to POTS, as I know many of you do. I'm curious about low positive ANAs, as they seem to be common amongst us. I'd like to hear all stories, but am specifically curious about those without a dx autoimmune disorder (ie lupus sjogrens celiac etc).

I first had a 1:100, then 3 months later 1:400, and a year later I am still 1:400. Speckled. My GP said if the issue was autoimmune we'd continue to see it rise. The (horrible) Rheumy said ANA means nothing, did bloodwork for lupus, sjogrens and ms, all negative, and said not autoimmune. But so much of this seems autoimmune in nature! And ANA must be relevant...

[GypsySoulNicole]

I had a low titer ana at 1:4 with speckled pattern and a positive thyroid antibody that was low as well. Doctor wasn't concerned and considered them false positives. This was a couple weeks before my ttt and pots dx. My results were considered false positives since they were low titers. I understand that happens but found it strange to dismiss results when I presented with extreme fatigue, joint pain, raynauds and all the other potsie stuff.

[Guest Alex]

I had a low-ish positive ANA (1:160 homogeneous) but across the board negative ENA, so my many drs dismissed that as an oddity particularly since I have no sx of autoimmune diseases.

Alex

[ramakentesh]

Many report low titers, speckled pattern with POTS

[jangle]

Ya low titer 1:80 speckled here.

[westernmass]

So why are doctors dismissing this? Why is this not considered "autoimmune pots/dysautonomia"? Does anyone know of more effective AI treatments that are helping with pots?

I'm so frustrated

[bellgirl]

Mine was considered equivocal, which is between negative and positive?! I didn't realize there was such a result!! I also have the same result for scleroderma, too, the systemic kind, which isn't good . My Autonomic Nervous System Specialist said to keep a watch, but it could stay there, forever, so I'm hoping it does. I've got enough to contend with already. Chin up. One of our dysautonomia friends just found out she has a genetic disorder and is deficient in an important protein (Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency), that could leave her with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and liver disease, so look on the bright side; it could be worse.

[Darlene]

mine is positive with homogeneous pattern, and other tests for lupus were slightly high

[AussieOI]

Mine is 1:80 speckled pattern, tested negative to other antibodies for lupus and other conditions

[Relax86]

Mine was the same...I don't have numbers off hand but low level positive for scleraderma. Repeat ANA at a later date was normal but positive for low C3 complement testing. My crappy rheumy gave me slip to retest this July. Monitor for changes. I'm actually feeling better and she also said if I was truly positive the testing would not linger back and forth but would be progressive. Good luck all