Hello,
I am somewhat new to Sjogren's. I have been learning about it through the Sjogren's Foundation handbooks. I have read a few books and listened to others online to learn about what Sjogren's is all about.
October 2014 my doctor ordered a blood test for me and it came back positive for Sjogren's. Only recently was I able to see a rheumatologist and she said," Sjogren's is tricky to diagnose." She gave me another thorough blood panel for ANA's and asked me a bunch of questions about how I felt. She ruled out arthritis and explained other possible reasons for other symptoms I had.
I take pretty good care of myself. I have been vegan for 6 years, take vitamins and when I am not fatigued I exercise. I used to run 9-15 miles a week. Now, not so much but I am trying to get back out there. :)
Q1: Are SS-A positive blood results inconclusive even if you are experiencing symptoms? How is Sjogren's tricky to diagnose?
Q2: What should I look for in a rheumatologist?
Advice or answers. Thanks!
Q1: often blood tests are inconclusive. Dry eyes, nose, mouth, skin and bottom are good clues as it attacks your glands like lupus attacks your organs and Mars just attacks ;)
Q2: Breathing is good and willing to talk and work with you. Tip: bring an advocate to each doctor appointment.
Hi Audrey1913 - welcome to the board - cannot remember if I welcomed you here prior... :-\
Anyway, I would tend to agree with joe - blood tests can be seronegative or inconclusive but you can still have sjogrens.
As far as a good rheumy and what to look for...for me personally, I looked for someone who actually listened to me, spent a fair amount of time with me (did not rush me out the door), someone who is willing to treat me (I have positive bloodwork for sjogrens though so I guess I am lucky about this!), but also someone who is willing to rethink my treatment plan from time to time if I feel it is not working or I am getting worse or having more "flare" type symptoms.
I wish you luck and hope that you can find a rheumy who is willing to listen to you and work with you to come up with a treatment plan that is optimal for you in reducing your symptoms.
Sending positive thoughts your way.
Kim
Awesome and awesome.
Mars does attack! Lol
Thanks for the response and the welcome.
My bloodwork in the first round of tests by my primary came back SS-A positive. Maybe the rheumy just isn't sure for some reason. I agree with both of you.