Hi Diana,
This is going to be tough because that is very little to go on.
The elevated ANA does not really tell me anything since there are a number of reasons for an elevated ANA other than autoimmunity. Even the erythromelalgia could be contributing. Although erythromelalgia can also be triggered by an autoimmune disorder.
There are some things though that I think will help.
First of all focus on building up your adrenals just in case there is an autoimmune disorder. The production of low affinity autoantibodies is triggered by low levels of immune modulating corticosteroids. Building up the adrenals will also help with reducing the inflammatory responses, such as with the erythromelalgia. Here is a link about building up your adrenals:
http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1527351#i
There are several adaptogenic herbs I recommend you really focus on. These are suma and licorice root. The suma to help with oxygen utilization by cells and thus elevated ATP formation. The licorice root is also a steroidal anti-inflammatory.
Something else I highly recommend you focus on is magnesium. But not just any magnesium. You need to look specifically for magnesium malate, and preferably with extra malic acid added. Or you can buy separate malic acid. Magnesium is a natural calcium channel blocker, so it can help with the erythromelalgia by relaxing the blood vessels so they do not go in to the initial contracted state associated with erythromelalgia. Magnesium also elevates ATP levels, which is fuel for our cells and helps our cells to function properly. The malic acid, which is the "malate" of malic acid is also an ATP precursor. This is why I specifically recommend the magnesium malate. Recommended dose is 300mg 3 times daily. Do not take it at the same time as a calcium supplement since it works in part in this case by antagonizing calcium.
CoQ10 also helps to elevate ATP levels. Recommended dose is 100mg 3 times daily with meals. Taking it with a little oil in your diet will aid in absorption.
For right now I also recommend for right now is a tablespoon of lecithin granules 3 times daily and one teaspoon cod liver oil twice a day with meals. Lecithin is a major component of mylein. Essential fatty acids make up a large part of the remaining myelin. The breakdown of myelin leads to neuropathy.
You did not mention anything about your diet. But if you are a vegetarian, raw foodist or have problems with low stomach acidity then a sublingual B12 is also recommended. B12 is required for myelin formation and plays a role in reducing inflammatory homocysteine.
Those are my recommendations for the moment. Without knowing exactly what is going on it is pretty much a matter of seeing how you respond to the recommendations.
Bless you for this information! I just need a push in the right direction. 38 is too young to feel like a 90 year old.
Even 90 is too young to be feeling like a 90 year old. My grandfather was still herding cattle, driving and fixing fences in his mid 90s. What finally slowed him down was going blind. One eye from using aspirin to thin his blood. When a hemorrhage developed in his one eye it did not stop bleeding properly and he went blind in that eye. Then in an accident a piece of bailing wire flew in his other eye blinding him in that eye. Point is that people can still remain healthy and active even past 90.
I will be visiting my health food store soon. I'm already taking Udo's Oil and Carlson's Cod Liver Oil.
I have 4 kids at home, so what I eat is pretty kid friendly. Not a lot of meat, but pretty balanced/average. I don't smoke or drink alcohol or caffeine. The more I read on this forum, the more it makes sense to start with building the adrenals. My recent failing health coincided with an out of state move with my family two years ago (leaving my hometown and extended family for the first time in my life). I developed frequent strep throat infections last summer (which I'd never had before) and was taking a new antibiotic every month until I had an allergic reaction to Augmentin. My symptoms really started to spiral after that. A friend asked me if I thought it was drug-induced lupus. I don't know. Then I started to suspect the Mirena and had it out. Except for the ANA's and slightly elevated rheumatic factor, my blood work has been normal. My symptoms are so much worse when my hormones cycle, so that's a factor too.
There are a lot of possibilities here or a combination of them. The stress from moving affecting the adrenals, the antibiotics killing off the flora that make up a good portion of our immune system.........
Do I need to be wary about the licorice, suma, and lecithin I buy? Can I buy what's at the local health store? Sheesh, I'm such a novice compared to everyone else on this site. But I'm learning :)
I do prefer Chinese licorice root (G, uralensis) over American licorice root (G. glabra) since the Chinese variety is not stimulatory. But it is very rare that the health food stores list the species. As for the lecithin it is important to get the granules, not the liquid or softgels. A lot of people also prefer non-GMO lecithin.
Thank you! I have my work cut out for me. If I run into questions or trouble, I may bother you again :)
~Diana
Keeps notes on how things go and report back as well.