I am confused, I had new lab work done a week ago and it came back ANA negative. This is the first I have this in two years. I am still having same symptoms and just got out of a flare after test was done. Does this mean I am in remission, cured or what? Help
Hi, Purplefav, it may be helpful to you to browse some of our former discussions about ANA negative lupus:
http://forum.lifewithlupus.org/main/search/search?q=ANA+negative
I hope you get a long break before another flare.
Thank you Anne. I know there is no cure lol, I was being a bit sarcastic with hope. I am on meds and I thought about stopping them but I know that would be insane. That is a way to look at it in my case, partial symptoms. Thanks for your response.
Purplefav,
Same thing happened to me after diagnosis. After a couple of years, my rheumatologist said that Plaquenil was changing the ANA to negative. I had noticed this on my labs but she (the doctor) never said anything! So I asked and this was her response. I trust what I feel in my body and KNEW I wasn't in a remission. I have read that Plaquenil helps to avoid organ involvement, but with some people it CAN bring on a remission.
As Ann said, never just stop your meds---talk to your doctor.
All the best,
LupanCatwoman
Same here. After 2 years on plaquenil, all my lab work looked like I had never had lupus. My new rheumy was not comfortable with the lupus diagnosis because of that, but since I had the previous labs to show him he decided that my lupus was inactive. i still feel like crap, but there is nothing to prove it. Very frustrating!
Soft hugs!
That happens…but one you are positive you have it.
I’ve also had this happen, all signs & symptoms are present but ANA is sometimes positive sometimes negative .
Same here. My ANA is negative now that I am on Plaquenil. I now have a positive Anti CCP.
I learned with having this disease along with life that doctors dont have all the answers but God does? I am still here .
Many people with lupus have both negative and positive ANA tests. I think that is why it is not definitive test for lupus. Could even be a problem with the lab. If you have been feeling better, it might be you are in remission period. If you still are having low grade fevers, sun issues etc..well might ask to repeat it or have a talk with your doctor about importance they place on it.
Some doctors realize it is very normal for people with SLE to have negative results, others look at it as you have crossed a line...maybe you do not have lupus. Usually the doctors with a lot of experience with lupus realize that ANA tests can go negative and does not mean the lupus is gone.
I would have a talk with your doctor the next time you see them about their feelings on it. But, i also document how you are feeling and who knows, you might realize you are in remission and feeling great! a good thing!! good luck