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Sjogren's Syndrome?
Hello,
Man, this aging process....... Thank you for taking time to try to help!
I have a positive ANA and run a higher CRP number, I have for many years. Other than Osteoarthritis, no other autoimmune diseases have been identified. My health is good over all.
Last month I had, what I refer to as a "flare". My whole body was in pain for over a week. I went into my PCP who I've had for decades. Once again she ran blood tests looking for clues.
My CRP had jumped from a previous high of 7 mg/L to 80 mg/L!!!!!!!!!
The only clue was the test for Sjogren's Ab. My result was Sjogren's Anti-SS-A was over 8.0, normal range being 0.0-0.9. The Anti-SS-B was normal range at less than 0.2.
My question is do you need both Anti-SS-A and B to have Sjogren's? Only my A is high. That in addition to a CRP of 80, which I know is very high.
Medicine is such a process of elimination!! Any thoughts you can share with me?
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Hello @di341, I did find some information on the topic that may be helpful.
"SS-B antibodies are less common, being found in approximately 30-50% of Sjögren's syndrome patients. SS-A antibodies thus occur commonly by themselves. However, it is very uncommon for SS-B antibodies to occur alone. Accordingly, 20-40% of Sjögren's syndrome patients may lack SS-A and/or SS-B antibodies."
-- Blood and Urine Tests - Johns Hopkins Sjögren's Center: https://www.hopkinssjogrens.org/disease-information/diagnosis-sjogrens-syndrome/blood-and-urine-tests/
Have you thought about seeking help at a local teaching hospital or major health facility like Mayo Clinic?
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4 ReactionsThank you, John! That is so amazing of you to find for me! These autoimmune diseases are so elusive and hard to DX. I think my doctor is thinking of it as a "working title", as in a movie script. Assuming its presence but not completely convinced. I have cataracts and allergies which produce dry eyes and mouths by taking those meds. So not sure what to attribute the dryness to and the mystery continues. I wonder how high a number in the SS-A antibodies is indicative for Sjogren's without much doubt and does it point to anything else. On with the quest.
I live near UCSF.
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6 Reactions@di341, Hoping you find some answers on your health journey. There are quite a few other discussions on Sjogren's along with many comments by members. You might find it helpful to scan through some of the discussions and comments. Here is a link for the search results: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=Sjogren%27s.
Can you keep us updated on your quest to find answers?
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