General Knowledge Question about diagnosis

[baddabingtim]

I have dry eyes and recently dry mouth - I have no history of Arthritis - I have no aches or pains - I am 48 male - and honestly feel like the best shape of my life -

I had blood work done last week - awaiting results

Any thoughts - I see everyone referring to a rheumologist - I never ever knew what that was until I googled it

[Scottietottie]

 Hi baddabingtim 

Wait for the results of your blood test. If they are suggestive of Sjogren's - a rheumatologist is the guy to see because it falls under the umbrella of rheumatic disorders.

You may be one of the many sjoggies who don't ever get the aches and pains. Don't be scared by the posts in here. It's a very individual disease and there are people who suffer some dryness - and that's about it. It's uncomfortable enough!

Do let us know how the tests go.  However they go - please make sure you get the symptoms treated!

Take care - Scottie 

[Billydude]

Hey Badda,   Another male here.   In nearly half the cases the blood work comes up negative so you can't really go by that if it comes back negative.  The symptoms often preceed it for many years before the blood work shows up.    One benchmark is to get a lip biopsy and that often is a better indicator.   In many cases the Rhmatologist might make a diagnosis bases on the total group of symptoms.   They one thing I picked up on from your post is that you feel the best shape in your life.   Many of us have come to a diagnosis after declining health and a long period of just not feeling well beyond the dryness.    I hope you don't have it.
Steve

[baddabingtim]

So for a lip biopsy - Can the ENT do that - I know he mentioned it last time - And I am ready to do anything -

[Billydude]

I believe so.   I had mine done at UCSF during a Sjogrens Study.