If you have trouble finding someone that can test, let me know. I'll ask my eye doc. We are down on Long Island and he had someone come directly from the lab that is doing the test. He explained everything about it while the tech drew the blood. Its a finger prick and they put drops on (I think) 7 different test spots. No biggie at all.
Giving up an active life is so difficult mentally. It is so attached to who we see ourselves as and what we are capable of. I am in the mental health field so I am happy to have a job I can do long after the body stops agreeing with me BUT there is something about not being as physically capable as I was that is hitting as a real loss. Interesting.......
If you have trouble finding someone that can test, let me know. I'll ask my eye doc. We are down on Long Island and he had someone come directly from the lab that is doing the test. He explained everything about it while the tech drew the blood. Its a finger prick and they put drops on (I think) 7 different test spots. No biggie at all.
Giving up an active life is so difficult mentally. It is so attached to who we see ourselves as and what we are capable of. I am in the mental health field so I am happy to have a job I can do long after the body stops agreeing with me BUT there is something about not being as physically capable as I was that is hitting as a real loss. Interesting.......
I have the name of an internist/rheumatologist who does the Sjo test. I will probably have to get a referral to see him though. It was also recommended that he is the one who should be treating me. My own ophthalmologist said that the test is only good for the promoters to make money and it is not in the interest of the "Science of Ophthalmology". I said no more. Thanks for your offer and if this contact does not work out, I will call on you for help.
I agree that the loss of physical prowess is a another loss that leads to grieving. I am now in denial, still hoping that all this is temporary and I will bounce back. However I am having nightmares about being lost in a foreign country and then losing my purse with all my identification in it!. If and when reality hits my conscious mind, I know I will go from denial to anger or just plain sadness for a while. Glad you understand. Take care.
EnjoyLife said:
Hey Sjogirl....
If you have trouble finding someone that can test, let me know. I'll ask my eye doc. We are down on Long Island and he had someone come directly from the lab that is doing the test. He explained everything about it while the tech drew the blood. Its a finger prick and they put drops on (I think) 7 different test spots. No biggie at all.
Giving up an active life is so difficult mentally. It is so attached to who we see ourselves as and what we are capable of. I am in the mental health field so I am happy to have a job I can do long after the body stops agreeing with me BUT there is something about not being as physically capable as I was that is hitting as a real loss. Interesting.......
In a blog post last December, we reported that a new autoantibody associated with Sjögren’s syndrome had been discovered and that efforts were underway to develop a lab test specifically for diagnosing this disease by detecting the presence of these new biomarkers. We’re pleased to share the recent announcement from Immco Diagnostics that this new diagnostic test has been approved and is now available for use by physicians throughout North America.
Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s own cells attack moisture producing glands as well as other organ systems resulting in dry eyes and mouth, fatigue, and organ dysfunction. Approximately 4 million Americans have been diagnosed with Sjögren’s and estimates suggest that an additional 3 million more people remain undiagnosed. Until now, no single diagnostic test has existed to diagnose this illness. Previously, doctors relied on a set of diagnostic criteria to determine the diagnosis. Many patients with symptoms of this disease often spend years seeking medical advice and treatment before receiving a correct diagnosis. This lengthy delay can impede early treatment for Sjögren’s and result in years of needless discomfort and even irreversible organ damage. PROSE devices have helped many patients with Sjögren’s by relieving the dry eye and photophobia symptoms associated with this disease and helping to restore visual acuity.
This diagnostic test detects the presence of the antibodies SP-1 (salivary gland protein-1), CA-6 (carbonic anhydrase-6), and parotid secretory protein that were recently discovered by researchers at the University at Buffalo and Immco Diagnostics. In addition, the test combines the traditional markers (ANA, Ro, La, RF) that are often present only during the later stages of the disease. The newly discovered antibodies are more likely to be present early in the disease, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Eye care providers will now have a more efficient means to screen their dry eye patients for Sjögren’s syndrome when necessary. For patients, this new test means faster and more accurate diagnosis for Sjögren’s syndrome which will result in improved management and control of symptoms early in the disease process before severe symptoms or permanent damage occur. Immco Diagnostics and their marketing partner Nicox are currently promoting the test throughout North America and exploring the possibility of expanding the test internationally.
Do you experience symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome? Do you plan to talk to your doctor about this new diagnostic test?
That is one wild dream you are having. You sure don't have to be Freud to understand it either. I think it sums things up quite well. And I agree that we are likely to go through the stages of change/ stages of grief like anything else in this kind of realm. It stinks but at least being aware of it can help get through it.