Hi there, I went to see my Dr. for my Hashomotos which is running high right now, mentioned dry eyes and they ran a test for Sjogrens. Test came back positive and the nurse said dont worry its just dry eyes. From what I have read online it is more than that and now I am really scared! What is going to happen to me and is there anything I can do to prevent it?
Thanks for any advice,
Debby
SJS can present with many symptoms. You may never experience the symptoms you've read about. Please don't be scared. Hasimoto's will probably give you more problems.
Don't be scared of the diagnosis. It can be only dryness for some and lots of other symptoms for others. There are meds that can help make life more comfortable. No reason to worry about symptoms that aren't there yet. It is a good thing that you have a diagnosis. It takes years for some of us to be diagnosed.
Welcome to this forum:) This is a great place for free therapy and great information.
Thank you for your quick replies. Can you tell me what the results that are A and B on the SJS blood work and what diff that makes?
Welcome and I agree with what they said. Don't be scared or worried :)
I think the A and B you are talking about on the bloodwork is SSA/Ro and SSB/La. These are the antibodies they test for that can be found with Sjogren's syndrome. They just help confirm a diagnosis of Sjogren's.
Don't worry too much with everything you read about Sjogren's. Not every patient will get every symptom and many are only bothered with mild to moderate dry eyes and mouths but nothing else. It is good to be aware of other possible symptoms so you can bring them to your doctors attention.
It is not uncommon for doctors to prescribe Plaquenil now for Sjogren's especially if you have more than dry eyes and mouth going on (skin or joint issues) It is felt it can help keep the disease from progressing.
A Rheumatologist is usually the specialist who deals with Sjogren's. If you are having problems you might want to get in to see one if you aren't already, be sure they specialize in Autoimmune diseases.
Welcome to the Site, it is a great place to learn and be reassured, ask questions.
Nancy
I saw the Rhuemy last week and she told me that SS/A bloodwork is less specific and could point to lupus,SjS, a virus or other conditions. SS/B is very specific to SJS. But you don't have positive blood work to be diagnosed. I am only postiive to SS/A and ANA. ANA is a blood panel for Lupus,Screlderma, or SJS or other virused or it can even be positive in healthy patients. Because blood test are sometimes unreliable some Doctors diagnose by symptoms,a lip biopsy test(to measure mouth dryness, or a Schmers tests that measures the dryness of the eyes.
Thank you Nancy, that is very reassuring. I have an appt with a Rheumatologist on the 13th so I will get to ask all of my questions. My blood work came back poss on the B part but negative to the A so it is Sjogrens. Thanks for clearing that part up too! :)