Re: Sheila---Autoantibodies Table

[Guest guest]

It's two against one here, on this one. Your other two docs said that they think you have it, but I'm thinking that the rheumatologist doesn't have a 100% understanding of these particular tests. She may be in over her head, and is puzzled about it, not being able to figure it out. I stumbled on this site we've been looking at, way after I had the ANA, but before that I was confident that I didn't have lupus, until I saw this. I don't want us to worry our heads off, but, at the same time, we need to know whether these things exist in us. At least you're halfway there. I'm looking at this, and it looks like a sea of testing for me! For me it would be first the Anti-sm () (whatever that means!), AntiSS-A & SS-B, ESR. This is starting to look like a Christmas Wish List for me, lol!, but I feel like I need these. My kids are thinking I'm a hypochondriac, but I don't really care because it's obvious there's something else wrong here. I want to live life to the fullest, and I don't have the energy to do so, so that's reason enough for me to pursue this. I've come this far (on the thyroid), and it could be that I'm just beginning to uncover some things. (((Sigh))). It would be nice to be 3 yrs old again, about now!

Re: Sheila---Autoantibodies Table

Hi ,

Thanks SO much for that!

Okay, now I'm really confused. I've had two medical professionals (opthamologist and dental hygenist) tell me they think I have Sjogrens.

My ANA test came back borderline, and according to my rheumy, that's an abnormal lab.

Then my rheumy tells me I had a lab come back that she's never seen in any other person before--positive SSB with negative SSA. She thought it was a lab error, they drew blood again, redid the test, and it came back exactly the same.

Okay, according to this table you posted, positive SSB is an indicator of Sjogrens. I also found something below which seems to confirm it. I'll post the info and the link.

So, the questions remains, why would my rheumy this a postive SSB with negative SSA is a lab error?

She said all my other labs came back normal...I'm really confused. Thanks for all the help. Maybe I need to go to a Sjogren's support group and see if others have had similar labs. Hugs, Sheila

[Guest guest]

and Sheila,

This table has been very informative. Wallace, MD in his book on LUPUS has a very similar listing of auto-antibodies and their connection to lupus or other auto-immune conditions.

I'm in that same spot you two seem to be with the positive ANA, and elevated sed rate (ESR). Recently, I had the antiDNA come back positive, when it was not positive last spring. They classify me as "lupus suspect" or Undifferentiated Connective Tissue disease for the time being - and with this new test turning positive they are now sending me to Loyola (in Chicago) to get a hopefully more informed oipinion than the ones from rheumies that I have seen nearby. My appt. is May 19th.

There seems to a few of out here in lupus-like limbo.

Kate

Re: Sheila---Autoantibodies Table

Hi ,

Thanks SO much for that!

Okay, now I'm really confused. I've had two medical professionals (opthamologist and dental hygenist) tell me they think I have Sjogrens.

My ANA test came back borderline, and according to my rheumy, that's an abnormal lab.

Then my rheumy tells me I had a lab come back that she's never seen in any other person before--positive SSB with negative SSA. She thought it was a lab error, they drew blood again, redid the test, and it came back exactly the same.

Okay, according to this table you posted, positive SSB is an indicator of Sjogrens. I also found something below which seems to confirm it. I'll post the info and the link.

So, the questions remains, why would my rheumy this a postive SSB with negative SSA is a lab error?

She said all my other labs came back normal...I'm really confused. Thanks for all the help. Maybe I need to go to a Sjogren's support group and see if others have had similar labs. Hugs, Sheila

*Note: Information is freely exchanged on this board based on patient experiences, and should not be considered a medical recommendation.

[Guest guest]

I'm certainly not glad that you may have another autoimmune disease, but I am glad that, if you do, you're making progress on finding out what it is, so that you can aim for proper treatment. That is my goal. I just want to feel better, but I am very puzzled and frustrated some days.

Re: Sheila---Autoantibodies Table

and Sheila,

This table has been very informative. Wallace, MD in his book on LUPUS has a very similar listing of auto-antibodies and their connection to lupus or other auto-immune conditions.

I'm in that same spot you two seem to be with the positive ANA, and elevated sed rate (ESR). Recently, I had the antiDNA come back positive, when it was not positive last spring. They classify me as "lupus suspect" or Undifferentiated Connective Tissue disease for the time being - and with this new test turning positive they are now sending me to Loyola (in Chicago) to get a hopefully more informed oipinion than the ones from rheumies that I have seen nearby. My appt. is May 19th.

There seems to a few of out here in lupus-like limbo.

Kate