OpenHealth Q&A

Suspecting Autoimmune Disorder Despite Normal Test Results

I'm a 27-year-old female, and while my rheumatologist has diagnosed me with fibromyalgia, both my dermatologist and primary care physician have suggested the possibility of an autoimmune condition. Here are some of the symptoms I’ve been dealing with: **Temperature Control Issues:** - I frequently feel cold. - No amount of layers or heat seems to warm me up; only hot water provides relief. - My extremities, like toes, fingers, and even my nose, turn pale when I'm cold. - After showering, my hands and thighs sometimes display blotchy patterns of white and red. - I experience hot flashes, alternating between feeling freezing and overheated. - My body temperature often registers low, around 96.6°F. **Pain Symptoms:** - My joints, including knees, elbows, and fingers, experience pain. - I’m highly sensitive to touch; even light contact can be painful. - I feel discomfort around my collarbone area, lower back, and calves. **Rashes:** - I've developed a rash on my face, mainly across my cheeks and nose. - Various triggers like stress, certain foods, sun exposure, showers, or sometimes for no apparent reason can cause it. - Hives appear randomly on my face, and I occasionally get a rash on my chest linked to food and stress. - While these flare-ups usually only last a few hours, I suspect I’m often slightly red. **General Malaise:** - I constantly feel as if I have a cold, accompanied by body aches. - I struggle with a runny or congested nose and frequent headaches. - I find myself getting sick approximately every three months, with illnesses lasting 2-4 weeks. **Neuropathy:** - Neuropathy is present in my family, primarily affecting my feet, where I often feel a pins-and-needles sensation. **Extreme Fatigue:** - My brain often feels overloaded, as if it’s filled with static. - I’m perpetually tired, yawning continuously, and battling brain fog. - Formulating thoughts is challenging, as words seem just out of reach. **Lip Sores:** - I occasionally develop sores on my top lip in the same spot, which can become scaly and bleed. - These are not related to herpes, as treatment for that has been ineffective; however, steroid cream tends to alleviate the issue. **Swollen Lymph Nodes:** - My neck often feels sore or swollen, and my armpits swell when I'm unwell or stressed. - Occasionally, I experience swelling in the groin area. **Easy Bruising & Digestive Issues:** - I’m prone to bruising, particularly on my legs, and deal with gastrointestinal symptoms reminiscent of IBS. **Test Results:** - I received a positive ANA of 1:320 with a dense fine speckled pattern. - Tests for lupus, Coombs, and Sjögren’s syndrome returned negative, along with all specific antibody tests. - My sedimentation rate and metabolic panel results were normal. I have additional blood and urine test findings if required; it’s just too much to convey comprehensively here. It's tough to pinpoint when these symptoms began, as some have been lifelong, particularly my susceptibility to illness, while others, such as the rash and cognitive fog, have emerged more recently in the past six to seven years.

Answers (1)

2/10/2026, 12:00:55 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing a complex array of symptoms that can indeed be distressing, especially when it comes to the uncertainty surrounding autoimmune conditions. Given your diagnosis of fibromyalgia and the positive ANA test, it's reasonable to consider further evaluations, even if initial autoimmune tests returned negative.

Summary of Key Points:

• You have a mix of symptoms, including temperature sensitivity, pain, rashes, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, which could suggest an underlying autoimmune issue.
• Your ANA result indicates some autoimmune activity, but more testing may be required to clarify your diagnosis.

Explanation: Autoimmune disorders can be challenging to diagnose because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A positive ANA test shows that your immune system is producing autoantibodies, but it doesn’t specify which condition you might have. The symptoms you've described—especially those related to temperature regulation, joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue—can occur in various autoimmune diseases.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed symptom diary for at least two weeks, noting when symptoms flare and what may trigger them. Include details such as diet, stress levels, activities, and sleep patterns. This information can help healthcare providers better understand your situation.

2. Consider Specialist Referrals: If you haven't already, ask your rheumatologist or primary care physician about seeing a specialist, such as a dermatologist for skin symptoms or a neurologist for nerve sensations. They may provide further insights based on their expertise.

3. Discuss Further Testing: Since some autoimmune diseases can be diagnosed only through specific tests, discuss with your healthcare providers the possibility of additional tests that target conditions like lupus, scleroderma, or other connective tissue diseases.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments: Focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, staying hydrated, and managing stress through techniques like mindfulness or light exercise, which may alleviate some symptoms.

5. Monitor Response to Treatments: If you are currently using any medications or creams (like the steroid cream for lip sores), make a note of how effective they are. Share this information with your healthcare provider to guide future treatment options.

6. Stay Educated and Advocative: Research autoimmune diseases and potential links to your symptoms. Bring this information to your medical appointments to facilitate discussions about your care.

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the complexity and vague nature of these symptoms, but take comfort in knowing you're actively seeking answers and support. If you're feeling particularly anxious or confused, consider reaching out to support groups for individuals with similar symptoms, as connecting with others may provide additional comfort and insights.