Sjogrens World Forums

Tuesday was my first visit with my new rheumatologist.  Bottom line, he does not think I need re-testing.  He doesn't see Lupus or RA and only some Sjogrens with me.  He did order some labs (seems like for general health) and they did a bone scan.  He doesn't like the idea of me taking 10mg prednisone daily so I'll try something that I will give myself with an injection.  Will also begin shots for my bones. 

I'm confused right now but hoping it will all make sense eventually. 

Thank you for your time and information. 

Best, Marie

Thank you so much.  I think I'll ask for tests if my new rheumatologist doesn't mention it.  I'll see him on Tuesday.  (My first one retired.)   I am seeing the butterfly rash on my cheeks almost daily now if I go outside.  It' not too bad but I see it and would like to know. I'll post up after my visit. 

Thank you again.  Take care.
Marie 

Thank you for including your labs, it helps to know that has already been tested. You did mention that you've been positive for RA for decades. What was that based on, RF or anti-CCP? the RF is a bit more general than Anti-CCP, and if the second was a positive, it would probably make the difference between Primary or Secondary Sjogren's. Primary just means the Sjogren's is the only diagnosed autoimmune disease.

The Antichromatin Antibodies and Anti-DNA(SS)IgG are both markers for Lupus, but also Sjogren's and a few other things, Anti-DNA(DS)IgG (double strand) would be more specific for Lupus

Since I also have markers for several conditions that I haven't been diagnosed for, because so many of the antibodies are common at varying levels to several conditions, I'm routinely tested once a year, but whenever I've developed new or worsening symptoms, especially some that lean more toward an undiagnosed condition, they are repeated.

Hello, I have been wondering for some time if I have Lupus.  I'm grateful for the information I read in the previous member's post. 
But my question is 'how often should I get tested'.  I've only had the original test where I showed positive for Sjogrens.  I also had some markers for Lupus.  And I've tested positive for RA for decades. 
But when I ended up at the rheumatologist, he said it was mainly Sjogrens or primary Sjogrens (I think that's the phrase). 
Any feedback appreciated. 
Best wishes to everyone even though I know it's difficult. 
Marie

Thank you

Good approach, it's been my experience with my GP that any change in immunological values calls for a Rheumy visit, but since I see the rheumy once a year anyway, I haven't had any extra referrals.

My Dr left me this message:

Your ANA is positive, which is a nonspecific marker for autoimmune conditions, and could be due to your Sjogrens, but since it is higher than previous, I think you should see a rheumatologist to be further evaluated for possible lupus. I will make a referral.

I already know I have sjogren's I have been dealing with it for quite a few years now.

About the red spots They look like someone took a needle and stuck me all over my legs and there's red spots like that. If I could send you an image in your email I will. Thanks for the response


sjogren antibody panel (ssa, ssb, ro, la), serum
 3/18/2025

Result detail 1. sjogren's anti-ss-A. Above High Normal. >8.0. Normal reference: 0.0-0.9
sjogren's anti-ss-A

Above High Normal
>8.0
Normal reference: 0.0-0.9
Result detail 2. sjogren's anti-ss-B. . <0.2. Normal reference: 0.0-0.9
sjogren's anti-ss-B

<0.2
Normal reference: 0.0-0.9

First off, remember we aren't doctors and don't know your conditions or history, and we can not diagnose.

While a homogeneous pattern is more common in Lupus, it does occur in Sjogren's as well, and without knowing which autoantibodies are present, it's not very specific. It isn't really definitive for either condition.The almost exclusive pattern for Lupus is periferal and the most diagnostic for Sjogren's is speckled.

One of the most frustrating things about autoimmune disease is the constant overlap and confusion in diagnosis. Various skin conditions seem to be common to several AIs, and swelling could be from local inflammation, or even a mild trauma like a twist or stretch of the ankle, but in the case of it being continued, and with red dots on the shin, it's something that should be seen by a doctor. Are the dots rash like or more like nodules?

ANA (antinuclear antibodies) screen, ifa, serum

ANA by ifa rfx titer/pattern

Out of Range
POSITIVE
Negative <1:80 Borderline 1:80 Positive >1:80


Result detail 2. homogeneous pattern. Above High Normal. 1:640. :
homogeneous pattern

Above High Normal
1:640

ICAP nomenclature: AC-1



This past week I had a swollen foot ankle and lower leg. The swelling is just going down a little bit now. I also have red dots on both of my shins going toward my feet.

I also have a small weird patch a bumps on my elbow that itch


I have chronic kidney disease 3A and I'm just concerned that my sjogrens says finally giving me lupus.   

 
Thanks for any info