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In a message dated 3/27/00 9:45:44 AM Central Standard Time,
heatherhada@... writes:

<< I was wondering if anyone here knew of any other diseases that
an abnormal ANA test might indicate. >>

Hi Heather,
Wow, I'm sorry you are going through this.
A positive ANA is not a definitive sign of any one thing, but is a really
good place for the doc to start looking. Lupus, among other things, can be
indicated with a high ANA. How high was yours? Did your doctor tell you
with what pattern the ANA came back? Different patterns can suggest
different diseases. Any of the autoimmune diseases are a possibility -
rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, Raynaud's, scleroderma, and others.
Keep careful track of what kind of symptoms you have. I assume since you
were thinking of fibromyalgia that pain and fatigue are key symptoms for you.
Once you begin observing your body closely you may notice others. Of course
it's not helpful to dwell on our symptoms forever, but at this point it is
important to notice as many as possible, with as much detail as possible.
This will be helpful information for your doctor.
Here is a great site that will give you tons of information:
www.lupus.org
Try clicking on the button for "Causes, Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment".
Lots of good information there.
If you want to discuss this further off-list I would be happy to. I've been
in your position and it was actually a huge relief to me when I was diagnosed
with lupus because I could finally put a name on it. My ANA ranges anywhere
from 0:10 to 0:6800. Autoimmune disorders are tricky - especially lupus,
because it can mimic virtually any other disease. Good luck and I hope you
feel better.
KIM