Hello all-
I am new to this forum and am still searching whether Sjogren's is the right diagnosis for me. My recent labs show positive ANA 1:640 homogenous and speckled and positive for ss-b antibodies. My current rheumatologist is puzzled by these results and said he has never seen blood results that have ss-b positive but ss-a negative - so he is not sure what diagnosis to give me. Curious if anyone has any thoughts/feedback on this.
Thanks!
Hi frustratedmom,
I don't have an answer for you about the antibodies. I have heard that it is rare for SSB pos and not SSA with it, I'm actually opposite SSA pos, SSB neg which is more common. I just wanted to welcome you to the group ! :)
Hi frustratedmom,
Let me also welcome you to the SJS World! Please look around the board as there are tons of topics that might interest you and oodles of information! I don't ask too many questions of the rheumy (he's the quiet type), as I find a lot of my answers on this board. Now let's not even mention the scads of great members too!
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
I can't speak of the blood work (sero negative here), but I've seen some members diagnosed with SJS on less than you have. Will your rheumy treat your symptoms?
Again, welcome and I hope to chat with you soon.
Take care -
Patze
Lab errors are more common than people think. If something seems odd he should re-do it.
Welcome to the forum!
Welcome to Sjogren's World, Frustratedmom.
While not common, it's not totally unheard of to have only SSB antibodies, and the criteria for diagnosis calls for : Presence of autoantibodies (at least one positive test)Antibodies to SS-A or SS-B antigen, or both . If your doctor is puzzled, maybe you could refer him to http://dry.org/DrRobertFoxUtahSSF.pdf, or an article from Dr Vivino at http://www.postgradmed.com/index.php?art=pgm_09_2004?article=1587 or Postgrad Med 2004;116(3):49-59, 65
It is, however, unusual to have two patterns in the ANA, it's usually one or the other, although, as in every type of lab result, just about anything is possible.
Hi frustratedmom :)
I can't answer your question but I'd like to welcome you to Sjogren's world!
Take care - Scottie :)
Welcome to the SJS site. Visit often if only just to read posts. Hugs, Redetha
Hi Frustatedmom,
Welcome to the boards. I am always impressed by people who know all these things about their bloods - I'm rubbish and know nothing except my first ESR reading when I had my first really bad flare. Anyway, I have been reading things on these boards long enough to know that blood tests are often at best misleading and at worst no help at all when it comes to diagnosing SJS. What you need is a sympathetic rheumy who will treat symptoms without a diagnosis so that you are at least comfortable. Best of luck - hope you get some answers soon.
Beverley
Welcome!
I don't ask doctors anything anymore...I just search here...The users here know way more than any Rheumatologist I've run across. ;D
Frustrated,
Guess what, I'm SSA negative and SSB positive with sky high ANA, speckled.
Hi Frustrated and welcome!
I don't know if I can help much as far as your labs. I have a positive ANA, but don't know the number. My Anti Ro was 448. Is the Anti Ro SSA? Shows how much I know!
Hoping you will soon be less frustrated. The whole thing has been an ongoing process for me.
Terri
Welcome, I also that one of the ssa or ssbs can indicate lupus to, Enjoy the forums. Hugs and Kissess Jonnell and Jenna
Hi Frustrated and welcome to Sjogrens World!
I'm another one that consistently has a High ANA with a homogenous pattern....negative SSA and positive SSB. I also had many of symptoms of sjogrens and a postive lip biopsy.
I just hope as the others have already said that you find a doctor who will treat your symptons and not just the lab work!
Come back here often, read what you want and ask any questions that come up! This is a great place for information, support and friendship!