Re: Diagnosed w/Sjogren's :(

[Guest guest]

Hi Chloe,

Sorry you got diagnosed with another condition. I saw someone else answered

your question about why is it mostly women who get Sjogren's. I agree with

their answer.

I have presumptive Sjogren's. There are tests for it: a) blood tests looking

for two different antibody factors, biopsies of the parotid (major salivary)

glands and of the minor salivary glands that are scattered through-out your

cheeks and lips. The biopsies can show these two antibodies factors. and 3) an

eye test that shows diminished tear flow to the eyes.

I do not test positive on the first two and no one has sent me for the third

one. It is the blood test that doctors usually go with. Unfortunately, only

about 70% of Sjogren's patients test positive for the blood factors. That's

partly because some people will develop the factors only as the condition

progresses. But there are some people who never develop the factors. Many

rhemuatologists refuse to treat for Sjogren's if you don't develop these

factors. I suspect this has more to do with law suits than anything else.

Anyway, after 4 years of debilitating issues, my rheumatologist said let's treat

you for presumptive Sjogren's. I'm just starting the Plaquenil treatment.

You can have Sjogren's alone as the only autoimmune condition and this is called

Primary Sjogren's. Or you can have it with other autoimmune conditions which is

called Secondary Sjogren's. Sjogren's shares many symptoms with a whole host of

other autoimmune diseases.

The Sjogren's Foundation has some great information. They can be found at

www.sjogrens.org.

If you need more information or just need someone to talk to, I'm available.

Good luck,

[Guest guest]

Your PCP can diagnose you. You could ask your PCP to order a comprehensive

ANA or a Sjorgren's specific ANA, instead of waiting to get in to see a

Rheumatologist, which can take a VERY long time in some areas.

Steve M in PA

Hi .

I would certainly tell your primary care doctor that your dentist thinks

you have Sjogren's. I think s/he will refer you to a rheumatologist for the

actual diagnosis. There is no reason why a primary care doctor couldn't

give you the diagnosis other than not being comfortable in matters outside

their specialty. The diagnosis is very important info for all of your

doctors. Early diagnosis is better. It'll help get you the care you need.

Good luck