Hi, sorry to hear you're dealing with multiple health issues. I'm a retired RN and I will try to help you find the answers you're looking for. First, ANA=Usual a positive result is a positive diagnosis of Lupus. The MCTD, this means that you more than likely have 2 connective tissue diseases. The ANA is an additional lab test, when combined with the RNP are done together, usually to confirm a diagnosis of Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). It is complicated when dealing with any or all of connective tissue disorders, as you do have a positive ANA & RNA, it helps the Dr's narrow down exactly what connective tissue disease you "might have ". Positive ANA is also seen in other conditions as in thyroid disease, some liver conditions & other autoimmune disorders. About 20% of the population will test positive to the ANA lab test, yet not have Lupus at all. Rheumatology is a very narrow field and a very difficult one, as there aren't many Rheumatologists as you might find in other sub-specialties. I would wait until you see your Dr and all your testing is complete and put together in order to get a proper diagnosis. I would have to say, I imagine you are probably dealing with some type of autoimmune disorder, but don't put the cart before the horse as hard as it is, especially being the patient, and I know because I'm on both ends of the spectrum, wait until all testing is complete as medicine unfortunately isn't an exact science and we all know who have Fibromyalgia, that some of us, in hindsight, had symptoms for a long time before finally getting a diagnosis. You can Google any/all the labs you had, that might help you to be in the know of what's going on as you go through the process of awaiting a confirmed diagnosis. Hope I could help, even a little bit! Regards, gentle hugs, #GodBless, Barb / BCRN

@A MyFibroTeam Member,
I totally understand the frustration of the waiting game. I wanted to correct myself in that, SLE=Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. There's actually a type of Lupus, which is more rare, and that's Lupus of the skin only, where it's not systemic. This means, only effects the skin and not throughout the body where as regular SLE effects the entire body, eventually effecting all the organs and bloodstream.
This might give you a little peace of mind, in that my younger brother had 2 tests when combined with both having high abnormal levels, almost always determines a diagnosis of RA. I went with him to the Rheumatologist and even as an RN, I was surprised, pleasantly of course, that some of these autoimmune tests can have positive labs, but are false positive, which was in his case.
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and in the meantime, if you ever need to talk, please feel free to contact me.
I know it's frightening, as the unknown always is. I know 1st hand what it's like, as u was unfortunately diagnosed with lung cancer , even went through all the pre op testing to get ready for surgery to remove part of my upper lobe of my right lung, just to find out with a last CT scan prior to surgery, I was completely MISDIAGNOSED! Of course my 1st reaction was to burst into tears of joy, but I'll admit, then the anger set in, realizing I could have lost part of my lung for nothing as I DIDN'T have cancer afterall! ! Then the anger set in as I lost the whole summer of '14, depressed beyond belief. Not to mention my bf of a year broke up with me saying he got in over his head a even though we had plans for marriage.
These are the times when I find this site so incredibly awesome! Sometimes, it's my only support system. I am here, don't ever be ashamed or worried about what anyone else thinks! I've learned that the hard way! Regards, gentle hugs always, Barb 🌷 / BCRN

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A MyFibro...

@A MyFibroTeam Member, I totally understand where you're coming from. I even get frustrated being a medical professional, even though I'm armed with a plethora of information, you never know everything of course, that's why to this day, regardless of being on disability, I still read and research all aspects of medical conditions.
I'm praying your tests are false positive, that would be amazing! Most importantly is just having an answer, as we are all well aware that the unknown is most often scarier then having an answer so we at least know what we're dealing with! Keep me posted if you would, I'd like to know how you're doing. Your fellow Fibro Warrior! :) ❤ Barb

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A MyFibro...

I hope you find and can talk openly to a Dr. who realizes fibromyalgia is truly real. It is so important to be able to know the Dr. hears what you are saying and cares and will admit when he can use a second opinion. Rheumatologist's at least will declare it as a true medical condition. So easy to lump sum anything to it. The symptoms are so complex and the longer we have it the more complicated.
MCTD is characterized by the combined symptoms of various collegen diseases as synovitis, polymyositis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus. The condition involves a high concentration of antibiodies of ribonucleoprotien and may produce arthralgia, inflammation of the muscles, nondeforming arthritis, swollen hands, esophageal hypomotility, and reduced difusing capacity of the lungs. Treatment often includes the administration of corticosteroids. Recurrence is common when the steroid medication is discontinued.
Okay that is the definition now what it means....your muscles and joints may swell. It may slow down your esophagus function (movement) and may lower your exchange capacity of you lungs (will not be as widely spread) which is needed to exchange Oxygen breathed into the lungs and to the blood stream to Carbon Dioxide which will be breathed out of the lungs. Steroids help with all of these problems and you may or may not display all of of them.
I hope this helps I feel your frustration I actually have Lupus indicators and COPD so my stupid exchange rate is low anyway. Lol I keep hanging in there.
Saw a report today I am thinking about asking Dr. about 5HTP and am reminded of the importance of Omega 3's Hate the fish oil taste but the report said if you put them in the freezer it takes the fish taste away..Good to know. Best wishes to you.

My blood work tested positive for Lupus but I also had a skin biopsy on the rash on my arm which was negative. My rhuemy says I do not have it. Hope that might ease your worries until you see your doctor again. Good luck.