+ANA

Hi! I am new to this community. My twin sister has been diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome, is receiving plaquenel, and evoxac, and some sinus med, and she tells me she is feeling much better. Her Dr told her that the sooner she could start the meds, the better the longterm outcome with sjogrens. All her labs were negative, except for a +ANA; they made the definitive diagnosis based on the salivary gland biopsy, but she also had the + shirmers test, and the parotids are in bad shape; I don't know if it's connected, but the nerve conduction test revealed significant neuropathy in her legs. I, too, have a + ANA, and shirmers test. I have pretty bad neuropathy, and muscle cramping that wakes me up at least 1-2x/night. I also frequently have phlebitis. I haven't been through all the tests (my twin's been through it for me :)). I am going to my Dr the end of the month for a follow up after he humored me, and began to test me for sjogrens. I guess my biggest question is this: Is my twin's Dr right? Should I get on plaquenel because it does slow the progression of the neuropathy and cramping? Or is it better to hold off on the meds until the symptoms get worse, because right now my symptoms are manageable. Thanks for your help!

Welcome to our forum Pat C. I agree with Lynnwood that you should get on plaquenil as soon as your doc offers it. It's a fairly benign drug and the only possibly severe side effect is vision loss. Plaquenil takes weeks to months before it starts relieving symptoms and I don't know if it helps neuropathy. Your doc may just want to change your neuropathy meds. Let us know how you and your sister are doing! It would be nice to hear from your sister as well. Love, Butterflake

Plaquenil is actually an anti-malaria medication, but for some (as yet unknown) reason it helps prevent (joint) inflammation in illnesses such as Lupus & Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Sometimes neuropathy from an auto-immune disease is due to inflammation in the nerves, and plaquenil may prevent the worsening of the inflammation. You may also need an anti-inflammatory such as Prednisone. However, neuropathy has many other causes, so your Drs should eliminate other possibilities before taking this approach.

Best wishes,

Hi, Johnny! Thanks for the info on antibiotic protocol. I am going for my first checkup since getting the Shirmers test done, because of the + ANA,tomorrow. I will keep you posted!