It's not uncommon at all. Ironically, I don't have it (specifically, anyway) but had a very bad case of dry eye for several months a couple of years before I was diagnosed...then one ankle started to deteriorate. After that got settled with an orthotic the other one started ... I have very dry skin, particularly my hands, and have been told that's "atopic dermatitis". It all has to do with inflammation of various kinds. Sjogren's affects the tear glands, if I remember correctly. I used drops for that couple of months - I don't have to now, but I still rub my eyes alot.... they feel dry & itch (allergies?)
Are you getting help dealing with it? There's a prescription product called Restasis that is advertised - I have not taken it so can't speak for it.
I think Tears Naturale may have been one of the products I used too.
I do know a person who has Sjogren's without RA - she still has joint pain, however!
When you say you "had it two years ago", does that mean you don't have it now? Do you have RA now ?
Sorry for my English. I have had this Sjogren's Syndrome for two years. I still have it and unfortunatelly I still have RA as well but it is better now.
Yes, i have both RA & sjogrens, and fibromyalgia, DDD and osteoarthrits, and soon to be checked for diabetes...i pray i don't have it too! I think i have enough already. Lol. Sjogrens is very common along side of RA.
Best of luck to you
Thanks for your message. What are fibromyalgia and DDD ? I have not heard them before.
Hope you do not have diabetes as well.
Good luck !
Fibromyalgia is another form of arthritis, only it effects the muscles-it causes all over body aches and pains and lots of fatique-mainly because people with fibro-don't get into that deep sleep-we toss and turn all night. There are a whole lot of other symtoms that go along with fibromyalgia-too many for me to type, :) But you can google it find out everything about it. And DDD is..Degenerative Disk Disease-Osteoarthrits in the spine in other words-the disks in my lower spine are detirerating-(didn't spell ?) I hope that helps... Thanks for the good luck...i need it. Lol. And good luck to you also
Thanks for your information and for the good luck as well. Hope you cope with all of these diseasters.
Best Wishes...
I have both. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome first. After about a year RA set in with a vengance. I have more issues with the RA than the Sjogrens Syndrome. If you have both it is important to eat healthy and excercise on a regular basis.
Thanks Liz. I was diagnosed with RA first and then Sjogren's Syndrome. I am trying to cope with both. I will ask my doctor about the excercise.
Good luck...
I have RA, Fibro, Sjogrens, Degeneration of the knees and osteo arthritis. I don't want anymore. I had a Rhuematologist recomend water arobics, but everytime I get into water I start having severe cramps in my feet and toes it will not stop until I get out and warm my feet. I try tredmill but suffer with pain and swelling few hours later. I am on several medications for pain and inflammation and I have a high pain tolerence, but I don't know what else to do. I think they are missing something, but I can't pin point what. I have worked in Health Care for 23 years. Anyone else have this problem and what is it, what did you do for it?
Yes, primary Sjogren's Syndrome, which is inherited, expresses itself as RA...but is an autoimmune disease which results from a lack of a hormone/enzyme which would allow the person to utilize the protein in gluten. This particular protein in gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley...some nutritionists think that the protein in oats, which is very similar to that of the wheat,rye, barley trio, is also not utilized properly in the body of those with Sjogren's...thus causing an autoimmune reaction. Some MD's have stated that the reaction is similar to a type four allergic reaction, and may be immediate or take up to 72 hours to manifest symptoms. There are primary symptoms, such as dry eyes and mouth, and secondary symptoms; mitral valve involvement, visual changes, Diabetes type II (sometimes with a lack of sufficient insulin production) and insulin resistance (difficult for the body to transport insulin and glucose into the cells. glucose is utilized for energy within the cells.)
I had horrible migraines, sometimes lasting a week, before I was diagnosed. I also had frequent, sometimes unrelenting swollen parotid glands (just below jawline...in neck area). Kidneys, liver, lungs and brain function may be affected. Joint pain, myofascia syndrome (fibromyalgia) and osteo-arthritis are also part of the picture. One day, it may be impossible for me to even stand up...another day, I may have no pain at all. Before diagnosis, I was having strokes, migraines and going blind. After going on a gluten free diet (VERY STRICT) four to six months later I was able to return to college, and in early 2000 graduated cum laude with two degrees in the medical field.
Many researchers believe that Sjogren's Syndrome is the 'Mother' of Lupus Erythmatosis, an autoimmune disease that is life threatening if left untreated. Lupus (the wolf) from Lupine, is difficult to diagnose and treat. Just now researchers are finding the inheritance link, and in Europe, Japan, Israel and other countries which are doing a lot more research on Sjogren's Syndrome, they know that the gluten free diet is the best treatment. Most pharmaceuticals for treatment in this country, carry risks like blindness and deafness as side effects.
Now, the gluten free diet...takes about 6-8 weeks for the lining of the kidneys, which is sluffed off from the disease, to rebuild and begin to function normally. You will notice a great reduction in fluid retension...and slowly your DM II (if diagnosed) will improve. Do be careful, though, because a diet high in rice (rice bread, for example) has a higher glycemic index; therefore, your blood sugars will have to be more closely monitored. I find keeping the rice, buckwheat (really not wheat, but in the rhubarb family) corn and other grains at a minimum helps with the diet. The less processed foods, the better. Did you know that self-basting turkeys have wheat as an ingredient!
At present, it is estimated that one in forty persons has some kind of wheat allergy or intolerance. We believe that it may be as high as one in twenty. The higher risk groups genetically are: Northern Swedes, Russians, Jewish, American Indian, Scotch/Welsh/Irish, and Japanese. Also, French or Germans from the border region of Alsase-Lorraine.(? spelling)
Products should be milled, packaged in a gluten free facility as even a tiny trace of gluten can cause an autoimmune reaction. If in doubt, call each company. One which are safe are: Pamela's, Energy, ...you get the idea. Also, a listing of gluten free foods may be found on-line...but always read the ingredients. An excellent gluten free cookbook is Bette Hagman's Gluten Free Gourmet..available at most health food stores, or you can ask that they order it for you. She has several books out, and they cover everything from pasta, cakes, bread, cookies, muffins to quiche, maindishes and noodles.
As of now, I am fairly healthy, but do have complications from not eating properly for the first forty years of my life. My osteoarthritis is quite bad.
Exercise with Sjogren's Syndrome...see a licensed Physical Therapist. It should be resistance training...in moderation. Water walking is good, and walking in general if you are not in pain. Begin slowly, increase resistance slowly. And, Good Luck. Thanks, Roni
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Thanks for your reply.
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease like RA and it is associated with a RA , Lupus and Scleroderma. It affects tear glands. The inflammation of the glands that produce tears leads to decreased water production for tears and eye dryness. I had this disease two years ago. I have dry eyes, dry mouth, lips and sometimes I have smelling difficulties. The resulting eye dryness can lead the eye irritation. I had it a couple of years ago so I used "Restasis" which is very good medicine for eye dryness. I highly recommend it. Now, my eyes are well but I still put drops ( Tears Naturale) for the dryness every day. Yes, I am trying to deal with it now. I should go to my doctor again.