Positive ANA result but don't meet NHS care criteria

[MooMoi]

Hi All

I hope someone can help me as it feels like I am in a difficult situation.

After my second miscarriage in under a year my Dr kindly did blood tests for me. Normally these tests are only done after a 3rd MC because the chances of a successful pregnancy even after 2 MCs are still quite high.

All the test results came back as fine except the ANA one which came back as positive. Off the back of this she referred me to a specialist. I heard from the specialist this week that they could not see me as I had not had 3 MCs.

I was devastated- with the positive ANA result a 3rd MC feels like a certainty now and the thought of going through the whole process of conception, pregnancy without any hope of success is just too much.

I entirely understand why the NHS sets the criteria for care as 3 MCs and the consultant said that I could arrange a private appointment. If it was just for the one appointment then we would find the money but I fear that I will need numerous appointments all of which will cost money.

In all honesty I don't even really understand what the implications are for me with having a positive ANA test as the Dr said that the specialist would discuss these with me.

Has anyone found themselves in the situation of having to seek initial treatment privately and then move back to NHS care (is that being sharp elbowed?). Or has anyone had any ANA experiences that I could learn from?

It's wrong, but you can't beat the system. Why not pay for a single consultation and at least you can have a discussion with the consultant and get some answers. What a horrible position to be in, hope you get it sorted soon.

Ok. Breath.

AMA is a really non specific marker that is positive in up to 1 in 5 people. It's used alongside other tests when screening for a lot of autoimmune conditions, but in itself, doesn't really mean a whole lot.

I am not a fertility specialist, but in my line of work, a positive ANA without any others positives, wouldn't mean an awful lot.

This does not mean you are destined to have another miscarriage.

As an aside, you can get initial work up privately then move over to the nhs. All reputable private doctors will have some nhs work as well.

Thanks- perspective is good :)

Lie.

How are they going to find out you've only had two miscarriages?

Of course it's dishonest, but is it really morally wrong? The NHS pays out for the obese and smokers - conditions within people's control. Infertility is out of your control, and yet you're being denied care.

Denied what care?

The reason for the 3 cutoff is because, prior to that point, you still have a good chance of a "normal" conception and pregnancy. Yes it's nice to get reassurance/"the ball rolling" but submitting yourself to investigations +/- treatment you may not need is lunacy.

Getting a private/second opinion is one thing. Lying to get what you want/think you need is quite another.

Sinking Perhaps you should try reading the OP's post before patronising her?

If you re-read her post, she is very well aware of the reasons why testing is normally deferred until after the 3rd MMC.

But she's also been on the receiving end of a positive ANA - which seems to have worried her quite profoundly. The specialist is prepared to see her privately, but not on the NHS, to investigate further. Isn't that both a failure of care and rather venal to boot?

If the OP can't afford lengthy investigations into a potential auto-immune disorder if this has to be conducted privately, but can afford to be taxed in order to pay for undeserving liggers too selfish to give up smoking, she has my full support in falsely claiming a 3rd MMC if she receives the help and care she deserves.

BTW MooMoi auto immune testing is primarily blood test based. You may have to give a lot of blood - and perhaps a tissue biopsy at worst - but it's not quite "lunacy" to want to have it done.

I'm here despite the fact my mum had 2 MCs between me and my sister.

Don't know whether she had this immune factor (it wasn't tested for in the 80s!), but just to show that 2 MCs doesn't guarantee a 3rd.

I'm another who thinks you should fib. You may have to have tests you don't need, but investigations will set your mind at rest.

One of my most profound regets is that I didn't push harder for infertility investigations and when my turn on the waiting list finally came, I was too old and it was all too late for me .

No. I'm not saying investigation is lunacy. I'm saying lying to get what you might think you need is.

Tell the truth. Ask about the ANA. If the GP can't answer, then that is a reason to get a specialist opinion.

Manipulation of the details is wrong.

And I'm not saying this is is what you're doing Moomoi!