best test for sjogrens

I have interstitial cystitis and a couple other autoimmune disorders. I've been tested for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and sjogrens several times in the last 7 years but they've been negative.  I have very dry eyes, some joint pain and ulcers that come and go in my throat (just beyond the tongue), and have lost my energy, always tired but do not sleep well.  Is sjogrens tough to diagnose through bloodwork?  I'm tired of all the doctors and they probably feel the same way! Help...

[karajo]

You may have already done some research, but here are a few sites to help with this.  

http://www.medicinenet.com/sjogrens_syndrome/page3.htm

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/sjogren-2.html

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

Another point to consider is that often atypical lupus, Sjorgrens and RA are linked by common chronic infections.  For example, our research has found that chronic infections like Mycoplasma species, found in about 45% of RA, 50% of lupus and a majority of Sjogrens, can cause all of the signs/symptoms that you list and many more.

These chronic infections can be treated (go to Treatment Considerations, www.immed.org) successfully.

Prof. Garth Nicolson