Arthritis and Sjogren's Syndrome?

I'm 21 years old and I'm in a very difficult, diagnostic limbo at the moment. I was told I had Fibromyalgia, then Drug Induced Lupus. I saw an ophthalmologist who said I had very dry eyes (although a normal Schirmer) and he said "definitely a degree of Sjogren's, probably over lapping with Rheumatoid Arthritis". Then I had a bone scan which showed arthritis in my fingers, wrists, shoulders, knees and hips. My rheumatologist said "definitely a connective tissue disease, either Sjogren's or Lupus". I then had to see a different rheumatologist for a 1 off appointment and he dismissed my dry eyes and possible Sjogren's and said Psoriatic Arthritis.

My blood tests show a weak positive ANA, I've had two elevated ESRs and now two months of high liver function. Everything else (anti-dsDNA, SSA, SSB, anti-CCP all that) negative.

I'm waiting to see ENT for nose ulcers and a dry mouth specialist for a lip biopsy (although I've been warned against it).


As you can probably tell, I'm SO confused. I'm trying to do my best to make sense of this all, but I have two question.

I know that arthritis can be a symptom of Sjogren's Syndrome, but how do you know that you don't have Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis as well? How do you know if your arthritis symptoms are just what's expected in Sjogren's?

And, is there anyone out there with negative blood tests for Sjogren's or other autoimmune rheumatic diseases only to have something show years later?

Thanks.

Thanks Chartreux, I'm unsure if I want to go ahead with the lip biopsy. I've heard many horror stories. I'm really just wondering, what's considered typical arthritis in Sjogren's and how do you know if the arthritis you have is just Sjogren's arthritis or RA arthritis?
It sounds like you've got a good doctor. I've got dry eyes, an occasional dry mouth and arthritis. I don't think it'd take a rocket scientist to say it's Sjogren's. Why do you not have permanent plugs?
It was the bone scan that showed my arthritis, but I'm just not sure if it's RA arthritis, Sjogren's arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis or Lupus arthritis!
Thank you for your help.

My ophthalmologist said that they can put in temporary plugs that last about 6 months and then if they help he'd put in permanent ones. I decided I'd just stick with the eye drops.
I think I either have RA or Psoriatic Arthritis and Sjogren's. My eyes and mouth are definitely dry and I think the arthritis I have is in too many joints to be just Sjogren's. I also have Celiac Disease, so make that three!
I drink heaps of water and always have my eye drops with me. It's so frustrating, I can't be bothered with being sick anymore!! I know that sounds stupid, but I want something else to think about/feel!

Thank you =]

Thanks. At the moment between feeling sick, trying to do some exercise and studying at university, I don't have a lot of time/energy to do much else! Thank you =]