Raised Titer - Do I have Lupus?

Question

I got my blood work back and was told I have a raised Titer. I have been forwarded on to a specialist - I am very scared and not sure what this all means. Please Help!

It was a raised ANA Titer. I have been sent to a Rheumotoligist by my family Dr. I have all of the symptoms of lupus - low grade fever, constant headache and joint pain, skin rashes, muscle aches, etc. all during stressful times for me. My family Dr thinks that I have lupus.

Answer 1

It is possible to have lupus with a raised ANA titer, but the rheumatologist will look at other tests as well, like rheumatoid factor, a positive double-stranded anti-DNA test, positive anti-Sm test, positive antiphospholipid antibody or false-positive syphilis test — any one of which may indicate an autoimmune disease. Remember, there is not one single lab test that will diagnose Lupus.

Every case of lupus manifests itself differently. I'm assuming that you and your family doctor believe you have Systemic Lupus. The American College of Rheumatology has established 11 criteria to help make a definitive diagnosis of lupus, along with test results.

Many people who have lupus have gone through months and even years of testing before getting a definitive diagnosis. It is so difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic the symptoms for other illnesses, such as MS, sarcoidosis, fibromyalgia, etc.

Answer 2

Hi Your titer sounds like ANA (one of the tieters to indicate autoimmune disease, or SED(Inflammation in body) rate are on the high side. However that alone does not mean your ill. Some people have high ANA's without having symptoms. On the other hand, My Titers go up and down. after Being ill for over 20 years and being diagnosed with Lupus for 11 years. I go more by how I feel more then blood work. to get any autoimmune diagnosis you have to meet critera for each one, blood alone dose not matter. for probable lupus you must meet 4 of 11 critera for a possible diagnosis, usually at 6 critera over many years and history, they will diagnose Lupus. However there are at least 80 autoimmunes, and possibly more then 100. some mild some not. Don't be scared. I have bad times, but get through. Im still here 20+ years after onset of symptoms and bloodwork

Answer 3

See herbakis' answer above; the result is probably an elevated ANA titer (antinuclear antibody) which is a general test for autoimmunity. The problem is that it's highly nonspecific, and is present in lots of different diseases as well as plenty of people who have no disease whatsoever. It is absolutely *not* diagnostic for lupus, and most rheumatologists spend a significant portion of their time telling patients that they're completely healthy and that the lab test doesn't mean anything. The bottom line is, don't worry about it in the short term, see the rheumatologist and find out what, if anything, is going on.

Answer 4

They are probably talking about an increased ANA, but this does not diagnos lupus. They are going to see if you have other symptoms and then determine if it's lupus. Don't be too scared. Go see the doctor and take a friend or family member too. This way whatever the doc tells you can be heard by another person (if you trust them and want them in the room) and more info is more likely to be remembered. Also, write down any questions you have before going to the doctor. This way you don't forget anything that you wanted to ask.

Answer 5

A raised Titer of what? It could be the Rheumatoid Factor, or the ANA or several other red flags. You did not say what type of specialist you had been forwarded too?