[Rhapsody]

I would like to talk with any one on here that has SS due to their RA.... I am having problems that may be leading to this.... I am both curious and nervous about it.


Thanks....
LoVe,
Rhapsody - ((( hugs ))

[Rhapsody]

Here is a website that lets you take a quiz on SS.
I scored 80% out of 100% and I am waiting on my doctor to get back with me for a follow up visit from last month.

LINK: http://arthritis.about.com/library/q...ogrensquiz.htm

My symptoms are:
Burning eyes with dryness, blurred vision, swollen neck with difficulties in swallowing, dry mouth, face numbness, dental problems, sinusitis, heartburn with GERD, severe fatigue, PAIN in - jaw, teeth, ears, neck, eyes and head.... the pain is 10 x worse when I lay my head down on a pillow. (and) Yes I have RA - Dx 10 years ago.

[DizzyLizzy]

I have Sjogrens, but I don't have RA (I have connective tissue disease).

I don't have any organ involvement. Organ involvement is rare with Sjogrens, and over the years I have talked to lots of people who have lots of dryness, but no organ problems, so don't let that part of the description of Sjogrens scare you.

My symptoms are all dryness related. I have dry eyes, mouth, nose, skin, hair, fingernails that are brittle, and vaginal dryness.

I use a variety of things to help the dryness. Biotene and Oasis products for the dry mouth, saline nasal spray, natural tears eye drops, good body lotion (usually that Norweigian fisherman stuff), moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, strengthening nail polish, lubricants for intimate moments with my husband.

Overall, having Sjogrens hasn't changed my life much. I carry eye drops and sugarless gum and moisturizing lotion in my purse so that I can combat dryness at any time, but other than that not much has changed.

I don't want to write a long book-like post about my Sjogrens, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask and hopefully I will be able to help based on my experience.

Liz

edited to change wording so that it (hopefully) made more sense

[Rhapsody]

WOW! - Thanks for the reply I was afraid that no one on here was going to know any thing about this syndrome or have it..... and then YOU came along, a new member and all, and then BAM you are here with me.... Thanks.

BTW.... I replied to your post as well about anxiety and the trigger icon..... go figure that we would find each other this way.....


LoVe,
Rhapsody - ((( hugs )))

P.S.
How long have you had SS? - do you take any medicine for it?

[DizzyLizzy]

I have had SS for about 3 years. With all the various sub-diagnoses that I got from the CTD (connective tissue disease) it's hard to remember what was diagnosed when.

I don't take meds specifically for the SS, but one of the meds I take for the CTD (low-dose steroids) do end up helping the SS because they supress the over-active immune system response that causes the CTD and the SS in the first place.