Confused

[RockinRuth]

First they thought Lupus then MS and now Lupus again.  I'm confused.  I tested positive for ABN blood test.  My Titer was 1:640, Anti-SS-A was 0.4, and Anti-SS-B was >8.0 H AI.  I don't know what any of this means.  I did a lip biopsy to see if I have Sjogren's syndrom.  Results will be in Monday the latest and I guess that is when the ENT will be referring me to a Rhumatologist/Immuniologist.  With all the pain and severe fatigue It's hard to sleep even when I tell myself not to worry.  Does any one know what all this means.

[karajo]

So glad you are getting somewhere.  Parying for you.  We all want to be there for you.

God bless, Kara

[RockinRuth]

Test came back positive for Sjogren's syndrome.  Now I make an appointment to see a Rhematologist/Immunologist.  The ENT suspects I have secondary Sjogren's which puts me back in there for Lupus and MS or another autoimmun disorder.  Soon will be time for more testing.  Thank you all for talking with me it helps with excepting my problems.

[AireScottie]

Just read some of your other posts and have a few things to add.  There have been cases of Sjogren's causing lesions on the brain, so it might be responsible for your irregular MRI.  Also, a lot of autoimmune diseases can cause peripheral neuropathy; here's the MedHelp page about it:
http://www.medhelp.org/medical-information/show/74

[AireScottie]

SSA and SSB are both Sjogren's indicators, so don't be too surprised if the lip biopsy comes back positive.  If that turns out to be the case, check out the Sjogren Syndrome Foundation's site (sjogren.org, I think)  I was diagnosed with it this spring and started treatment with Plaquenil 3.5 months ago.  I can tell you it responds to treatment MUCH better than Lupus or MS, so it's probably your "best" outcome.  

[Myown]

Sorry, I don't know what the test results mean - still learning about this stuff too.

But what I do know is that from my own personal experience, and continually falling through the cracks, a patient has to become very knowledgeable about the connection of possible"underlying" diseases that can or may develop from the "main" disease they are diagnosed with.

Though we as patients shouldn't have to become walking - talking Medical Encyclopedia's, it seems we have but no choice to continually read, read and then read some more.  

And in your case, your saying that you are "confused," is nice of you because as far as I am concerned, from my own experience, not being diagnosed correctly with Underlying disease was not "confusion" on MY part, but "stupidity" on the THEIR part.

I'm glad I took it upon myself to seek out another doctor and this one actually had "ears to hear."


Good luck,
MO