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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Arthritis / July 2004Sjogren's Syndrome
Just got back from a visit with my ophthalmologist. Because my eyes seemed very dry, he suggested that I might have Sjogren's Syndrome. He asked if my mouth was dry; it usually is. I had heard of Sjogren's before, probably here in this NG or perhaps in my readings on thyroid disease. (I am hypo.) I have been using artificial tears, but probably not often enough. Also I have glaucoma and am using Xalatan eye drops for that. I have been visiting this NG for about 4 or 5 years, since shortly before I had a total hip replacement. (osteoarthritis) Does anyone have any helpful hints about living with Sjogren's? I will spend some time on the Sjogren's Foundation website, but you folks were very helpful when I needed advice about THR. It's always better, I think, to ask the folks who know. Thanks for any advice. Joyce There is a drug called salagen that helps with the dryness. It may be worth asking your doc about. Nice to see your name on the board again. Rose @}>-->>> Please remove "Ima" to reply privately! >There is a drug called salagen that helps with the dryness. It may be >worth asking your doc about. >Nice to see your name on the board again. >Rose Thanks, Rose. I assume that's for the drymouth. The opthalmologist said there were prescription drugs for that, but that I should check with my regular doc. Which I will do. He explained very briefly that it's another auto-immune disease and that it attacks all the body's moisture producing glands. Could have an effect on the kidneys. I hope I can avoid adding another prescription drug to my daily menu. So far I have synthroid, cytomel, dyazide, metoprolol, lipitor, and xalatan. As I sit here looking at those words, I find myself wondering if the diuretics are causing the dryness. While I greatly appreciate the miracles of modern pharmacology, I sometimes think that maybe we are messing around with Mother Nature a little too much. Joyce Joyce, glad to have you back here reading again. I don't have any suggestions but wanted you to know I do care. I hope you have a good outturn from this. Did they do the lip biopsy to verify it for you? I was told by an eye dr that I had Sjogrens. So I went around for years thinking I had it. I also have the bad dry mouth. Last year my RD ran the blood tests for it. I think they were called the SSA and SSB. They came back negative so they say I don't have it. I feel for you with the OA. that is not fun either.  SignatureLove and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo > Just got back from a visit with my ophthalmologist. Because my eyes seemed > very dry, he suggested that I might have Sjogren's Syndrome. He asked if my [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Joyce I have sjorgen syndrone so bad I have to be fed thru a tube in my stomach. I can't swallow anything as my esopogras [sp] is completely dry and no slavia to wash it down. I put drops [restasis] 3 times a day plus regular eye drops 3 or 4 times a day. I wake up at night and my eyes are stuck. I wish you well and hope you don't have it. audie Wow, audie! I had no idea that Sjogren's could be that severe. Thanks for your reply. I will surely try to find out for sure, one way or the other. Joyce punctal plugs for the eyes are great help, take super good care of your teeth, i also get nosebleeds- haven't found anything to help that annoying daily problem. Kate Send in the clowns I will not drag you along; I will not leave you alone; I will stand by you and have my hand there for you to hold when you need it. you are right about the teeth. I never had a cavity until the sjorgens came. always went to dentist faithfully once every 6 months. now i have to go every 3 months. All these things are a pain, but I guess I have to live with it. no cure. God Bless audie |
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