Positive ANA Questions

@eileenb1022 I got told years ago that I tested negative for Sjogren’s. My current rheumatologist told me that it is a spectrum, not a positive negative. I got prescribed Salagen (pilocarpin) and have used it for years to manage my dry mouth and eyes. My rheumatologist told me that if I didn’t have Sjogren’s, the Salagen wouldn’t have worked. There are only about 2 million of us in USA. I have progressed to Sponyloarthirist. I had my first rheumatologist visit in August 2025. After taking the medication for a month, I realized that I suddenly didn’t feel like the Devil himself was chasing me. I would be angry if I were not so thankful.

I've tested negative as well, but the new rheumatologist that I've seen this summer has been a game changer. He said that 40 to 60% of people with Sjogren's won't test positive, and gave me a newer test which is an early profile Sjogren's test. That came back positive, they developed this test because they've learned that by the time the two standard Sjogren's test show positive there can be advanced damage. This allows the doctor to start treatment to prevent some of that. I would find a doctor that will treat the symptoms, mine relies heavily on the clinical symptoms and not as much on the tests.

@carol00
I have recently been diagnosed with Sjogren's as well. I also tested positive for the HLA b27 gene, which could indicate spondyloarthritis. I would be interested to hear what testing and info you have been given concerning that.

I have an ANA of over 2560, no other antigens are positive. The closest to having something was a one time anti-dna result of 17. I am 75 and have had positive ANA since 2014 (first time ever taken) - My CD3 is low, as well CD19, and lymphocytes are also low. Is connective tissue disease a real classification or a misc. diagnosis? I am at times VERY fatigued, weak arms, legs, flat red rashes on stomach wall and a rash on face that i could be rosaeca or/and lupus rash. Any ideas of what the heck is going on? Also have intolerance to drugs, scents and chemicals.

@sickofpasswordsu2 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I just have to laugh! Your MCC name is exactly what my passwords are! The password people didn’t think it was funny, though.
If you are going to local doctors, I would suggest that you get an appointment at a comprehensive medical center or a university teaching hospital in your state. Doctors there are usually 1 or 2 steps above local doctors, meaning they do research and/or teach. That’s what my husband had to do for me when the local doctors couldn’t figure out what I had. The doctor there knew right away what it was and has been treating me ever since. And, have you seen a rheumatologist?
And, yes, mixed connective tissue disease is a real thing!
I really hope you get a diagnosis soon!

@fairn My rheumatologist said it was spectrum. she diagnosed me with spondyloarthrist, otheoarthrist and shortens. We discussed a treatment plan. I have no idea about how she came to the conclusion. She said she based her diagnosis on what I told her in the questionnaire as well as what mt pcp had told her. She said she could tell by looking that I had spondyloarthrist. I am just glad I am feeling better.

@sickofpasswordsu2 - When I went off of wheat completely, my ANA went down to "0". I do not have celiac disease.