Of course I'll get the whole story next week, but I don't believe anything was found to explain a possible false positive. Also, I have too many symptoms that are typical of Sjogren's for the positive biopsy to have been a fluke. The lymphadenopathy, esophageal and digestive issues, extensive arthritis, Raynaud's and neuropathy all point to autoimmune disease as the most logical culprit.

I'm hoping you are right about the disability issue. I've still got a long road ahead of me with the LTD guys because no matter what evidence I provide them, they'll still argue that I am only mildly impaired and should be able to work, BUT the company probably won't be able to get away with their claim that I don't have any autoimmune disease. And while I do have diabetes and realize it can cause a whole host of health issues, I have it under excellent control, and the neurologist was of the opinion that the problems I am experiencing are most likely from Sjogren's.

If nothing else, when I am up for review with Social Security next year for disability, I should have no trouble getting those benefits continued. Their main requirements are providing evidence that I am continuing to be seen by appropriate treating specialists and that my condition has not improved enough for me to return to work. Even if the folks at Mayo come up with a new treatment plan for me, Sjogren's is famous for not being easily managed, and it is unlikely I would get well enough to be able to hold down a job anytime soon, if indeed it ever happened.

I do hope the LTD company will realize that Mayo's opinion, no matter what it may turn out to be, would not be worth trying to dispute in court. I think it would at least send the company a message that I have been completely honest with them about the nature of what is keeping me from being able to work and that it would be in their best interest to either settle or reinstate benefits.

fanfaire,
who is still struggling in zombie-land