Positive ANA test - does anyone know what this means?

Hello,

After four failed transfers, I asked my Dr to do further tests on reasons that may be stopping our embies from implanting. They normally do these tests after 8 failed cycles, but our FS did them anyway - i think she thinks i'm impatient. Anyway despite reasurances that they would come back neg - one - for ANA is positive.

From what I can find on the web, ANA tests for antinuclear antibodies that attack your own cells and is related to lupus and rheumatoid arthritis - neither of which i have obvious symptoms of. My FS said that my blood vessels would be constricted and I have to have asprin post transfer - i'm guessing that this is why none have stuck as they could not get nuggled prop into the lining and blood supply. My FS also said that I would be considered high risk and i'm booked into see another specialist next week.

So, my question is, has anyone else got this result and if you have (or know anyone that has) what has it meant for trying to get PG and then the resultant PG...i'm a little scared at the moment not knowing.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks
FG

TBH honest, I have no idea - just didn't want you to feel ignored with no replies! Maybe it means you have a higher risk of developing an auo-immune disease later - or maybe you'll pas it on to your babies?

I think it would be worthwhile asking your FS - or even GP - about what it is and what it means for you :) Good luck hun :hug:

Hi SG,
:) thanks so much for your response - since my original post I've been on a steep learning curve and now have been diagnosed with anitpospholipid syndrome. I've started asprin and about to start heprin to help the little ones survive my body and get to a BFP...
Thanks again for your kind post :)
FG

FG
I have been watching your recent journey of discovery with great interest. I am sorry there aren't too many others able to give you the advice you need at this time.

I hope this diagnosis helps you on your path to motherhood and that it doesn't have any other complications for you.

xx

Hi Dusty,
Thanks very much for your support. I too now have two embies on board and am hoping that the daily injections will help them stick! Each time I visit a dr, I'm realising that this journey gets a little harder - I found out yesterday from the FS that APLS puts me at greater risk of pre-elampsia (sp!)...but I just have to hope that we still get to have a healthy baby (or two!). I guess it is making me realise that we will be lucky to have one healthy child, and that I may have to just be content with that. But we will see.
FG

Hi FG, Sending you lots of sticky vibes for your FET, I am praying that your new protocol does the trick. Will be watching and hoping and praying for you.

just popping in to send my girl some VERY STICKY VIBES:bluedust::stickyvibesgirl::stickyvibesboy:

i also have positive results for ANA. but im not ni your shoes by a long shot. for me i was tested as part of the bloods done when i was pregnant with my 3rd. simply because the midwife I had at that visit asked about my mum who had high blood pressure in her pregnancies. so she did the ANA test as apprently its linked to hbp in pregnancy.
i went on to see the Ob who then did further tests whihc all came back normal. he told me though that a positive ANA can cause smaller babies & (sorry i know its not nice) a higher risk of stillbirths. BUT i never had any blood pressure issues & i didn't have small babies (my last was 9lb 9oz) so for me the ANA is simply one of the many strange little things that make up me.

so my post is really no help to you at all! LOL

But I will add lots of sticky vibes!!

Hi FionaJill,
Thanks for your post - it is good to hear that you have not had any problems due to the positive ANA test - it gives me hope that we will get through this with a baby at some stage!
Thanks
FG

HI Farmgirl, am thinking of you with this cycle and sending lots of :stickyvibesgirl::stickyvibesboy:. I'm not sure if you saw my post in your blog, but this thread has stories from other ladies in the same or similar situations.
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums/pregnancy-after-miscarriage-loss/8271-clexane-during-pregnancy.html
All the best:hug: xx

Hi Farmgirl - I am sorry I only just saw this post. I have antiphospholipid syndrome - and as you know I lost 6 babies before Imogen. I developed what they thought at the time was HELLP syndrome (the nasty man's preeclampsia!) - but the syndrome didn't disappear with the birth of the placenta as it should have...

Anyway - basically the asprin, heparin and prednisone kept Immy growing long enough to be born alive...

My result was severe - and extreme. Many women with APLS have no other problems.

Wishing you a long and healthy pregnancy my love... :hug:

Hi Flowerchild,
Thanks very much for your post - and I have read some of the other info you have put together and found it to be great - thanks. It is also great to see what you achieved against the odds! It gives me lots of hope.

Quick question - I'm just wondering what the prednisone is for? I think it is a steroid, and am wondering if it is something they just use once you are pg to help with the baby's development or does it have a role in conception as well?

Thanks again.
FG

Prednisone is a cortisone (steroid) but thats as much as I can help you with there.

Hi there,

After many miscarriages I finally had some tests and found out I had a positive ANA test. The next time I fell pregnant I had to take 100mg Asprin (Cartia) every day. I am very luck as I now have a very health and happy little boy. It was however a bit touch and go there for a while as he was 10 weeks premature. But he is perfect!

From what I have experienced....take every day as it comes. Take your medication every single day and trust your gut feelings.

Good luck!

Brockys mum - thanks for sharing your story, it is great to hear how this pathway can be lead to a healthy baby! Hope your little boy continues to grow up big and strong :D