Need to understand blood test

[angeldancer]

I received my blood test and I guess it means they can't do anything to help. ",The cytomegalovirus and Epstein had virus antibody are both positive, but the IgM is negative." What does this mean as it relates to my pain and flare. My hands don't hurt as bad but joints are all over the place.

Thanks,
Angeldancer

[irish]

Many of us have positive tests like yours, but I don't understand why they cant help you. Are they not treating you symptomatically. Is it possible that the IgM is not the cause of your problems. Sjogrens alone can cause joint, muscle, tendon and ligament issues. Remember that Sjogrens is a connective tissues autoimmune disease and can affect just about any tissue. Also, having a negative IgM to me is in the same realm as having a negative Sjogrens blood work but still being treated for the symptoms

If you are suffering and miserable I would advise a second opinion at this point. Irish

[Linda196]

A quick interpretation of those results would look to me as though you have had exposure to both CMV and Epstein Virus in the past, forming appropriate antibodies ( that's why they are positive) but there is no active infection at this time ( meaning there is no need for you immune system to react by increasing IgM)

Like Irish, I'm unsure as to why that means they can't do anything to help. I would think it just means that whatever you are seeking treatment for is not the result of an acute phase of either of those two viruses.

A flare could be the result of either of these viruses causing acute activity, but the cause of a flare may never be adequately found, just as in some cases, doing something you are convinced will cause a flare, doesn't! I've blamed flares on something as simple as a cluster of insect bites, and I've gone through severely stressful times without flaring, its a gamble.

[angeldancer]

Thanks for responding. You have me more information than my pcp. I stopped going to the rheumatologist because the good one i couldn't afford any more. I have been referred out to a new one but can't get in until August 15th. My flares are horrific now and leaves me bedridden.  I was reading an article that one of the other members posted and it just got me a little down because we are not close to a cure. I will spend my life battling only symptoms as they arise. It beats the alternative but whew..what a way to live with pain. I think my family is over my being I'll all the time. I won't let epstei n take me out!

[irish]

One thing I would advise everyone do when they are having an increase  or prolongation of symptoms is to review your medications. I have been having so many things going on with my health that they were starting to pile up on me!!!

I finally decided to do an in depth review of the last new medication I started a couple of years ago... which is Losarten which is an ARB med for high blood pressure which is used to help save and protect the kidneys in people with diabetes. I found a lot of things that made me stop and think. I went to doc and she changed me to Norvasc at low dose for now. I am not as terribly fatigued and my GI tract feels better. I am also on Metoprolol and figure these two meds, if they work like they are supposed to might give me 1o more years. That is more than long enough. My kids will be too old to deal with me and my money will have run out

Ain't old age a hoot!!! Ya gotta laugh to keep yourself going. Irish

[SjoGirl]

Angledancer, it's been a long time!

Have you had any other bloodwork done recently? Have they checked HLA

HLA (human leuckocyte antigen)
A group of protein molecules located on bone marrow cells that can provoke an immune response. A donor's and a recipient's HLA types should match as closely as possible to prevent the recipient's immune system from attacking the donor's marrow as a foreign material that does not belong in the body.
Mentioned in: Bone Marrow Transplantation

What symptoms are you having in addition to pain, any rashes, redness along with swelling of joints?

[irish]

I was going to suggest that you see an Immunologist to see what they can come up with. You might be having something entirely unrelated to your blood work. It is worth getting as assessment from immunologist as they are much more knowledgeable about autoimmune, immune and allergic conditions. It wasn't until I saw an immunologist that they got to the crux of my problems. Took me almost 40 years to get my problems identified. Hang in there and keep on searching for diagnosis. Irish