Has anyone experienced a change in diagnosis from lupus to Sjögren's syndrome after years of treatment?
It's actually not uncommon for lupus and Sjögren's to be confused or overlap, since they share many similar symptoms. Both are autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation, and they can produce joint pain, fatigue, and Show Full Answer
Has anyone experienced a change in diagnosis from lupus to Sjögren's syndrome after years of treatment?
It's actually not uncommon for lupus and Sjögren's to be confused or overlap, since they share many similar symptoms. Both are autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation, and they can produce joint pain, fatigue, and other overlapping issues.
Some people do have their diagnosis shift over time as more information becomes available. Sjögren's can sometimes be mistaken for lupus initially because the symptoms are so similar. The key difference is that Sjögren's primarily affects the glands that produce moisture, leading to dry eyes and dry mouth, though it can affect other parts of the body too.
A MyLupusTeam member shared a similar experience: "I actually have Sjögren's and haven't technically tested positive for lupus. I'm going to my rheumatologist to get my joint pain under control."
It's worth having a detailed conversation with your rheumatologist about why the diagnosis changed. Sometimes people can have both conditions at the same time - studies show that 14 to 17.8 percent of people with lupus also have Sjögren's. Your doctor can explain which specific test results led to this new diagnosis and what it means for your treatment going forward.
March 25
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