About SS-A positive

[Audrey1913]

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!

[Joe S.]

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.

[finallyadx]

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

[Audrey1913]

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.