Primary or Secondary Sjogren's | Arthritis Information

Share
 

Is there a clear way of distinguishing between the two? 

 
My latest test results showed Sjogren's Anti SS-A/Ro at 582, the normal range being 0-99.  I am also ANA positive, but RF has remained consistently negative despite arthritis being my main symptom.  Dry eyes and mouth have really not been a problem for me, although my opthalmologist did note that my eyes were dry.
 
Anyone with Sjogren's care to weigh in?  I'm trying to figure out if this is in addition to RA or could be what I have "instead" of RA.  Also, I'm 36 and what I've read indicates Sjogren's is usually post-40, but not necessarily always.  Thanks,
 
GingerR

_popupControl();Hi, i don't know if I have Sjorgen's, I'm asking my Rhuem on Saturday, but generally they take tissue samples from the mouth and do an ocular test as well as bloods for Sjorgen's.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sj%C3%B6gren's_syndrome

As for the age thing, that makes no difference. RA supposedly attacks mostly 40-50 year olds, and here I am with RA at 26.  -RF doesn't mean you don't have RA, but bone erosions certainly mean that you do, as well as other factors. What have your other bloods said? Any anti-CCP, elevated ESR or CRP?
I have secondary sjorgen's.  It has really caused me alot of problems with the eyes.  I have a standing monthly at the opthomolgist.  Age doesn't really matter either.  I am also under 40.
 
there are alot of people here who are RF negative.  What does your doc think?
The only tests that have shown positive for me are ANA, Anti SS-A, and the WBC Esterase in the urinalysis (an inflammation marker).  My RD suspects RA or Lupus and put me on Plaquenil because it treats both.  But since all of the positives, and my arthritis, could be attributed to Primary Sjogren's, I'm wondering if perhaps that wouldn't be a more accurate diagnosis. 
 
I've called my doctor's office twice and have yet to hear back.  It really irks me too, because they're supposed to call first if anything comes back abnormal and they just mailed them to me with no follow-up. 
^ Keep at them! Ring until you get an appointment. If it is primary, it needs to be treated. As well if it is secondary to something else. It sounds like you have systemic inflammation (white blood cells in your pee), which is a marker for all 3, as RA causes infl. of your body, but it is also a marker in lupus and SS which can attack your kidneys. Good luck!  _popupControl();

I have had very dry mouth and eyes for a long time. In the last several weeks, however, it has become a real problem. First, when I had an eye exam recently, they did the paper strip test, where they put a small piece of paper in your eyes to measure the moisture. I can't remember the exact name of the test but it was something like "shwimmer" test.( I know I really destroyed that word, but I'm not entirely clear on the name of it.) Anyway, my tear measurement was extremely low. My RD started me on Restasis. It burns at first but she said it is very important, as it's the only thing that protects your eyes a bit.

Also my dry mouth turned into something pretty scarey lately. I felt like something in my throat and tried to cough it up, but there was nothing to cough up. But I coughed so much that I got my throat really irritated. Saw the ENT yesterday and he confirmed that everything is very dry and I really had it irritated. He told me to get a "steam inhaler" and use it frequently til they  can decide what to do about the cough and feeling of something large in my throat. You can find them at CVS. It's called a personal steam inhaler. I still can't talk at all this a.m., but I'm hoping the steam will help. He also made an appt with a speech therapist for me, so they can look further down my throat.
 
It so strange that two of you would post about Sjogren's today. I was just coming in to post about this. Must be something in the air
 
If you are having problems be sure to keep at your doc til you get an appt. Sjogren's can be serious and you need to make sure it hasn't attacked your vocal cords.
 
Hope everyone has a good day.
 
 
Hugs, Nini
Hurrah, I got an appointment!  It was a good thing I called and harrassed them a bit because apparently the results had never made it into the doctor's hands after nearly 2 weeks.  Real comforting. 
 
Nini, sorry to hear you're having a time with it.  That sounds very uncomfortable, to say the least.  I haven't noticed any excessive dryness, but I am having trouble with constant sore throats.  They respond to antibiotics, so it seems to be an infection rather than a dryness problem - but I read Sjorgen's creates an environment that promotes infections, so either way, it's not a good thing.
 
I'll keep everyone posted - thanks for the input and feedback!
 
GingerR
 
 

I have secondary sjogrens and suffer with an extremely dry mouth,I get ulcers on the roof of my mouth from the dryness, I have sarted using biotene and i eat lots of lettuce, its the only thing that helps me.

Lisa, I use Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste, too. I'm so sorry you are sufferng with mouth ulcers. Are they treatable with anything special? Or just the Biotene?

I never heard about lettuce for dry mouth, but it does make sense. Lettuce is mostly water anyway. Do you have salads or just munch on lettuce leaves?
 
Ginger, in the beginning you may not notice dryness, as such. It may just be sore and/or uncomfortable. Be sure to watch it because it can be horrible for your teeth to have no moisture. I get my teeth cleaned every 4-6 months. I use an elect. toothbrush at least twice and floss at least once a day. Good luck with your appt. Please let us know what happens.
 
I'll be thinking of you.
Nini
I have Sjogren's and my rheumy prescribed salagen for it, which has helped tremendously. I tried the biotene mouth drops, and boy does it taste nasty. I try to always have gum or lemon drops for sucking on and water on hand... well, now it is gatorade since I do not have enough salt in my system, ugh.
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com