Intro and question

Hi, newbie here. I have just recently be given a dx of Sjogren's Syndrome (based on bloodwork; positive for SSa antibodies though doc doesn't seem to have a lot of experience with autoimmune disorders). Based on my symptoms, I believe that the Sjogren's is secondary to SLE as some of my symptoms more closely match those of SLE (severe sun sensitivity including rashes as one example). I have had a laundry list of symptoms for the past 20 years but wasn't taken seriously until I had a positive ANA recently.

I live near Philly and just made an appointment with one of Penn's rheumatologists who specializes in Sjogren's. In your opinion, should I see the Sjogren's specialist or would I be better off seeing a doc there who specializes in SLE?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm hoping to finally get some answers and some relief.

Thanks for your response! I actually did see a local rheumatologist who dx the Sjogren's. It seems she see mostly elderly patients with arthritis. My most common and bothersome symptoms are joint paint (mostly hip, hands and knees), fatigue, sun sensitivity (needed steroid cream for rash that developed and lingered for months), chest pain, nose and mouth sores, fever blisters, jaw/cheek pain, frequent headaches, sensitivity to both heat and cold.

8 years ago, I made the mistake of using a tanning bed for 4 sessions. Nearly immediately following, I felt worse than I ever have, I had a really heavy period that lasted for over a month. 3 months later I suffered a brain aneurysm rupture. I don't know that there is any causal relationship but it seems very coincidental. I was also under a lot of emotional stress at that time as my daughter was graduating high school and going away to college.

I would say rheumatologist that specializes in SLE too....Dr. Schulz is excellent at Penn....your symptoms sound like SLE...but he can treat you for both...all the best to you

I do...he specializes in Lupus...he is awesome doctor...great at explaining...very caring