Anyone have +ANA and if so what is the treatment when doing IVF?

[ampreg07]

Hi,
I always suspected Ive had an automimmune disorder as I have arthritis and migraines and dermatitis. Also a family history of arthritis, hypothyroidism, fibromylagia and other autoimm. things. I heard that ANA is the test for this. And if you get a positive, and you are doing IVF or FET, what is the treatment?
Anyone know?
Ann

[ALGrand]

Hi Ann- not sure if you still look here. But I have positive ANA and an autoimmune condition called dermatomyositis. I had a successful IVF pregnancy and actually just had a FET transfer today! We'll see!

My suggestion is you find out what your diagnosis is first as far as your autoimmune condition. Find a good rheumatologist. Don't give up.

As for me- I stayed on prednisone throughout my pregnancy and this time around I am on IVIG and prednisone- but that is to control my disease not for the FET.

[ampreg07]

Al-

Funny you mention that your on predisone for the +ANA...as that is what I saw when I researched it on the internet. Do even though its helping your dermatitis..its also helping your baby stick! Hoping you get a sticky BFP? If you dont mind me asking if the skin condition you have--what is like? as mine has been with me about 10 yrs and it is tiny tiny slits the size of a staple and they are grouped together like fish scale, dont hurt , dont itch...nevver went away though and they are in my side of my abdomen...like around the waist. What does your skin condition look like? HOpe you dont mind me asking...as Ive been screwed by so many doctors...especially with IF...that I have to demand good care nowadays!
Ann

[ALGrand]

So....technically, ANA is just a marker, I believe...a hint to doctors to look for other signs of autoimmune disease. I actually haven't had a blood test for ANA since the first round of bloodwork years ago when I was first trying to figure out what was wrong with me. From what you are describing you seem to have something going on for sure. I KNOW how frustrating it is...trying to figure it all out. I can't say enough how important it is to keep trying to find the right doctor. Ask everyone they meet if they know a good Rheumatologist (I would start there). If you have a University hospital near you that is always a good place to start too.
So...as far as my disease. It's actually more of a muscle disease than skin disease. Myositis has 3 different forms. Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis and IBM. I don't have a lot of skin issues though. And my treatment for my myositis (prednisone and IVIG) just so happens to also benefit my IVF . so yeh! something positive! Though believe me - prednisone kinda stinks .
As for the skin rash that does occur for my disease, it's kind of a scaley red skin patch....they call it grotten's papules (google it - you will see examples).
I hope you can find the right doctor!!! keep searching! once my disease was under control we had success in IVF . that is very important. get the disease under control first. good luck!

[ampreg07]

Thanks...I thought for a referral to a rheumatologist, you have to have arthrititis. Or am I wrong? Do they deal with other dseases? I will google your skin condition. Gald you got your successful IVF!..My skin condition is so hard to see you have to look close, very close to see it.
Ann

[ALGrand]

Hi Ann - no! you don't have to have arthritis to go to a rheumatologist. they treat all types of auto immune conditions....good luck!!

[ampreg07]

oh ...my I had no idead.....Im glad I asked...I should ask for a referral......