Question
dear AMELIA.
I have been diagnosed with POLYMYSITIS/ can you please answer my question?
-----------my test reads-----------
anti nuclearbodies ---positive
titre   1:160   < 1:40
patten nuclear

rheuatic disease marks
=>rheumatoid factor    <9.4  `-15   iu/ml
inflammatory marks  =>c-reactive protein    2     <5   mg/1


then thay say

positive nuclear ana titres ---associated with systemic sclerosis (or )polymysitis --scleroderma overlap syndrome.


what do i have ??or what do thay mean ----overlap??  is this some kind of atherits?
i do have a skin condition.and a lot of joint pain .do i have both or do thay come together as one complaint
can you make any sense from the findings
many  thanks charmaine

Answer
I can't answer what you have - that's something for your doctor.  "Overlap" syndrome with scleroderma usually means another rheumatic disease with scleroderma, like scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma and lupus.  The ANA (nucleolar) isn't specific enough to diagnose a disease.  It would only support the diagnosis your doctor makes from your history, symptoms, and what s/he sees.  Polymyositis can occur with scleroderma.  The biggest symptom is muscle weakness in areas like the hips and shoulders due to inflammation, and the c-reactive protein test you mention could tell your doctor if there is muscle inflammation.  Call your doctor for a "sit-down" appointment so that s/he can explain the diagnosis and answer your questions.