How many of you have had the Antibodies - SM, RNP, RO, LA blood test?
The reason I ask is because I didn’t know of this test until recently, and it can show you if you are at risk of in the future should you test positive for that particular antibody. At least that is my understanding! I got my results yesterday, and I tested positive to antibody RO. This is all based on my own research, but also a reliable website… With a positive anti-RO, I am more susceptible to “rheumatoid like” arthritis, interstitial pulmonary disease, central nervous system disease, vasculitic insult, and renal disease. The problems I have been experiencing recently have been CNS related, and the Gabapentin has helped me immensely.
The following article is good at explaining ANA and the different antibodies:
Sorry, I'm just no help with labs. The only thing that I know showed in my labs was actually Sjogren's, I know it was 'off the charts high' but couldn't tell you anymore what the number was.
I leave all the lab results to my Doctors, if there is something there, they let me know.
Hopefully someone else with some medical training can answer your question.
No, I am pretty sure I have not. But who knows, even though I try and look up what all my labs mean, I don't always understand it. But I do have a question for everyone on here. Anyone having the lung problems I am? For so long they said asthma, but now I don't feel that is the main issue with my lungs. The dryness causes the inflammation, and I cannot remember who on here recommended the saline solution in the nebulizer, but that is a blessing. I use it almost daily mixed with albuterol when having difficulty breathing. But at times, they just fill up with so much mucus, then just like that, I am dry.
Yes, my initial diagnosis was given because of positive for SS-A and SS-B (would have to look up the numbers at home) . I also tested positive for anti-Smith which was my new rheumy says I have a lupus overlay but my main dx is Primary Sjogren's. I had all this blood work just redone since it's been six months since my diagnosis and it remained the same. The first time was just after a flare and I've not had one since.
So far my main symptoms have been dry eyes and mouth. Just experienced my first feeling of "oh, that doesn't feel normal" in my left parotid gland.
Have you been to see a Pulmonologist? If not, I would consider you to do so. Which doctor is telling you that it is asthma?
Wishing you well!
gmabuster said:
No, I am pretty sure I have not. But who knows, even though I try and look up what all my labs mean, I don't always understand it. But I do have a question for everyone on here. Anyone having the lung problems I am? For so long they said asthma, but now I don't feel that is the main issue with my lungs. The dryness causes the inflammation, and I cannot remember who on here recommended the saline solution in the nebulizer, but that is a blessing. I use it almost daily mixed with albuterol when having difficulty breathing. But at times, they just fill up with so much mucus, then just like that, I am dry.
I was diagnosed with primary Sjogren's because my SSA and SSB were literally off the charts. There was some other test they did, and I can't remember what it was, just that the result was "speckled" and I don't really know the significance of that?
Thanks Kaz, that would be great! I try to learn as much as I can, but sometimes I get in over my head with the medical terminology/language. Rest up, and I look forward to read what you write!
Kaz said:
ANA test that would have been. There are a few patterns which ANA present with which also helps indicate which group of autoimmune diseases a person has. I will write about this maybe tomorrow and place on here as it is rather interested. ;-) Too tired to do it tonight.
I had the Sjo test. It's relatively new here but has an 85% success rate, so to speak. My eye doc had the lab that does it come in and administer the test. Of course my Rheumy did all his own tests, but on the first visit, I told him I had had that done, and boy did he take it seriously. I pasted a short article clip below, in case anyone is interested.
Sophia Antipolis, France—Nicox S.A.recently launched announces that Sjö, an advanced diagnostic panel for the early detection of Sjögren's Syndrome. Nicox also partnered with the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation to raise awareness among eye care professionals of the disease. Sjögren's Syndrome is estimated to affect about 4 million people in the U.S., with 3 million undiagnosed.
Sjö is a proprietary laboratory test developed by Immco Diagnostics Inc. which combines traditional markers with three novel, proprietary biomarkers, allowing earlier detection of the disease.
I am glad you looked further into it. It was suggested by the Eye Doc who is very frustrated with how far behind the US is with this Syndrome.
My Rheumy was very familiar with it also and backed up its accuracy. He did run all of his own tests since I am a new patient to him but they showed what we already knew.
The test itself is going to be quite valuable as it tests a title differently than others which is why it is more accurate than others and it can pick it up earlier.
Maybe NY is a little further ahead for availability, which is why I posted it. It may help others to know to ask for it.
So far have found the partnership with Sjogren's is only about raising awareness in regard to opthamology and Sjogrens. The importance of eye care which of course also allows them to market their product directly. This test apparently is only available in the US at this stage, but have a feeling it is only certain places so will have a look into on the FDA site. It is not available anywhere else in the world. Will dig further. I can see it is available on Long Island for anyone near there. If I find some good information on this I might make a list of places where people can have it done. Well places that I find. I need to find the scientific trial information though to show how they tested for this '85%' accuracy and long term data, as in how can they be sure it is Sjogrens.