Anti Nuclear Antibodies? Rheumatology?

Can anyone tell me what to expect?
My shoulder has been killing me and got to the point where I couldn't brush my hair. So when to PCP he took some blood and sent me to an orthopedic who gave me a cortisone shot. It helped a bit...its been almost a week but there is still pain (I do have a 28lb toddler)
Anyway, the PCP called yesterday to tell me that my ANA levels where slightly elevated and recommended me to see a rheumatologist. Needless to say I'm a bit scared. I know it could be nothing but elevated ANA can indicate an autoimmune disease like lupus/rheum arthritis...etc

Has anyone been through this? My appt is tomorrow and I have no idea what to expect.

Re: Anti Nuclear Antibodies? Rheumatology?

I have elevated ANA levels, along with other unexplained wacky blood results, that have caused me to see a rheumatologist regularly. Your first appointment will likely just be a review of what's going on (I went to PCP with a pain in my chest which then lead to bloodwork) - he/she will ask a bunch of questions - from lifestyle, to pain, etc. and will probably examine all of your joints, do blood prssure, weight, etc. My pcp had done an initial set of blood tests but then my rheum did a much more in depth one - about 25 vials - to try to pinpointwhat my issue could be. That was about all initially. After the blood work came back I went back in to review it and plan course of action. You'll beokay - feel better!!

***on a side note, my insuranc did not cover all of the bloodwork since it was about a gazillion tests and we got a HUGE bill!

Re: Anti Nuclear Antibodies? Rheumatology?

i was having bad pains in my hands and my doc did blood work and my ANA levels were borderline high. I saw a rheumatologist. First appt was literally about 100 questions. He went down this huge list he had. Then they did a TON of blood work. And chcked my joints, weight, BP etc.

Re: Anti Nuclear Antibodies? Rheumatology?

I had the same thing and I found out it was a form of virus. It lasted for months for me, but it did go away. It might not me that serious. I don't know what your age is, but I suspect you are pretty young. Don't be scared, have them figure out what's wrong. I got better by going.

Re: Anti Nuclear Antibodies? Rheumatology?

Thanks guys. I'm actually sitting in the waiting room now. Hopefully this goes quick n it's just something simple.

Re: Anti Nuclear Antibodies? Rheumatology?

My DH has ANA and sees a Rheumatologist. He has to take baby aspirin everyday now. He was diagnosed with having antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

Re: Anti Nuclear Antibodies? Rheumatology?

I have that-I have LUPUS and APS. First appt they did as other said. Then I waited for results. Its scary and even after being diagnosed I must say that my doctor explained everything so I walked out informed. So try to stay calm. You may not have anything to worry about