Got a second opinion!!

[grace]

Went to a new Rheumatologist Monday and now I'm more confused than I was before She says I don't have Sjogren's, I have never had dry eyes and mouth. We are back to Lupus, maybe just the skin kind. More labs were drawn so I guess we will go from there.

Two different doctors with two different opinions is difficult, because it really puts you in limbo of who to believe! I went through a lot trying to except having sjogrens and now back to wondering what is going on with my body! Maybe nothing, makes you feel crazy

I am feeling pretty down Don't know if I should quit taking Plaquenil and see if my symptoms return? Any advice would be helpful, thank you.

[Bucky]

Grace - it IS confusing when doctors give conflicting reports.   

It is my understanding that Lupus patients also take Plaquenil - so, if I were you, I'd wait on stopping it until you find out more info from your recent labs.

We have several members on this forum that have gotten a dx of Sjogren's only to have it taken away years later.  I think some doctors really put too much emphasis on having ALL the Sjogren's markers before they dx a person with Sjogren's.

It is also possible to have BOTH dx's of Sjogren's AND Lupus.  We have several members who have this.

Is it possible that you have dry eyes and dry mouth but it's been so subtle that it became the "norm"?

Lots of times doctors will chalk eye problems up to allergies, when in most cases it's Sjogren's related.  You can have allergies AND Sjogren's.  It's not a black and white issue . . there's lots of gray areas in there.   

It's a difficult road for those members whose blood work doesn't have the positive Sjogren's markers.  You will read story after story of the struggles these members have.

If you put the words sero negative in the search box to the top right of this page, it will take you to previous threads about that topic.

Hang in there, Grace.  I hope your recent labs will shed some light on your situation and the doctor will work with you to devise a plan of action to help ease your symptoms.

Bucky