In the SLICK criteria you need to have 4 things that applybto you... Even when your blood seems oke, or you have only positive ANA, it does not matter... You still can have Lupus

Negative here for the last 24 yrs. Still have Lupus!! I don't and my rheumatologist doesn't pay much attention to the anti-DNA ...etc bloodwork. He thinks that how I feel (long-term) and a CBC-complete blood count & kidney function tests are much more important and show how the lupus is affecting my body & organs. I really think those tests (anti-DNA, anti-RO, anti-SSB...etc are for the scientists, not for us!

I have Lupus and Sjogrens. I have above average titers in the ANA blood test and my numbers are very high in the SSA and SSB Antibodies bloodwork.
The SSA and SSB do NOT have to be present to my knowledge for a Lupus diagnosis. The information you were given I believe is incorrect with all due respect to your doctor.

Both conditions are auto-immune related and in the same family of symptoms.
Remember, Dr's aren't immune from making a wrong diagnosis. They're as fallible as anyone else. Just not supposed to be because of their "extensive education". Their OPINION is just that, their opinion.
If what they tell you doesn't sound "right", that's your intuition and experience with "lupus" telling you to get a SECOND OPINION.
Intuition is what I call "an Angel tapping on your shoulder telling you to pay attention"

Check out hopkinslupus.org the answers you seek and much more will be here. Hopefully this will help you out a little.