had doctors appt today

[mindytyson3]

got copies of my blood work and here is what it says:

ANA was positive

ANA pattern was HOMOGENEOUS

Antinuclear Antibodies was 1:80

Sjogren's AB (SSA) positive >8.0

my SSB was negative

Can somebody explain to me what all this means? ha. Thanks.

[Nancy60]

Im not a doctor so can't really tell you what is going on in your case, but generally speaking, ANA is Antinuclear Antibodies and is positive in a number of different autoimmune diseases including Sjogren's and Lupus.  1:80 is considered positive but some doctors will say it needs to be higher.  SSA and SSB antibodies/know as the Sjogrens syndrome antibodies, are a type of antinuclear antibody (they are extranuclear antibody or ENA) and are positive in Sjogren's and Lupus mainly.  Homogenous pattern is the ANA pattern and can give the doctor some indication of which autoimmune disease is present, but it isn't 100%.  I think Homogenous pattern is one of the patterns found in Lupus and Scleroderma. 

Did you just see the Rheumy, or are these from your primary doctor.  If you haven't seen the Rheumy yet, I would bet that they will run some more specific antibody tests to narrow things down.  Antibody levels can go up and down so don't be surprised if they are different next time they test them.

When is your next doctor appointment?

Nancy

[mindytyson3]

Im not a doctor so can't really tell you what is going on in your case, but generally speaking, ANA is Antinuclear Antibodies and is positive in a number of different autoimmune diseases including Sjogren's and Lupus.  1:80 is considered positive but some doctors will say it needs to be higher.  SSA and SSB antibodies/know as the Sjogrens syndrome antibodies, are a type of antinuclear antibody (they are extranuclear antibody or ENA) and are positive in Sjogren's and Lupus mainly.  Homogenous pattern is the ANA pattern and can give the doctor some indication of which autoimmune disease is present, but it isn't 100%.  I think Homogenous pattern is one of the patterns found in Lupus and Scleroderma. 

Did you just see the Rheumy, or are these from your primary doctor.  If you haven't seen the Rheumy yet, I would bet that they will run some more specific antibody tests to narrow things down.  Antibody levels can go up and down so don't be surprised if they are different next time they test them.

When is your next doctor appointment?

Nancy

Ok thanks. I know Scleroderma I don't have. She did a test for that too and it was negative. She said she is diagnosing me with Sjogren's Syndrome and that when I have my appt with my Rheumy she will diagnose me as well so I guess I will see what Rheumy has to say and what the tests says that she will do. I don't know when my appt is yet. I havent received a call from the Rheumy yet still waiting! I wish they would hurry up though.

[Seeker]

Howdy Mindy,  I am glad your tests are showing something is going on.  So many of us have a variety of tests done and the results are normal.  It can get very frustrating.  With me I almost had to force my doctor to test me.  My SSA and SSB results were off the charts.  My doctor started listening to me after that.

I hope you will get a complete picture soon. 

Seeker

[mindytyson3]

Howdy Mindy,  I am glad your tests are showing something is going on.  So many of us have a variety of tests done and the results are normal.  It can get very frustrating.  With me I almost had to force my doctor to test me.  My SSA and SSB results were off the charts.  My doctor started listening to me after that.

I hope you will get a complete picture soon. 

Seeker

Well I have a complete picture now of Sjogren's Syndrome just not sure what the Rheumy will say lol. I believe my doctor so not changing my diagnosis. lol.

[Seeker]

Howdy agin,  Mindy.  If your doctor does put you on medication, keep a log.  It will be very helpful.  Also be patient. Some Medications like Plaquenil take a while, before they take affect.

Seeker

[mindytyson3]

Howdy agin,  Mindy.  If your doctor does put you on medication, keep a log.  It will be very helpful.  Also be patient. Some Medications like Plaquenil take a while, before they take affect.

Seeker

My doctor told me about Plaquenil. She said that would be one of the ones I might get put on. I am on Lyrica now and its taking awhile before it works if it ever does..ha. But giving it a chance.