Hi all,
I've been reading the boards here for several months. I have found them to be very helpful and informative. Since last January, I've been having some strange health problems. I am hoping someone here can help. My biggest problem has been a burning tongue and thrush. I've been diagnosed with atypical thrush 3 times since May. Also Dxed with Burning Mouth Syndrome and currently a salivary gland infection. My saliva is very stringy and almost mucous like. This morning I have awakened with pain in my joints, a headache, green stuff coming from my eye, and to be honest quite a bit of anxiety. My dentist believes I have sjogrens even though my ana is neg. My sed rate jumps around from 16-32. I also have dry eyes and a skin condition called granuloma annulare. I am unsure how to procede. Do I see an ENT, oral surgeon, or rheumy? Rheumy appt. in my neck of the woods takes 6 mos. I am in serious need of relief. I am currently taking Keflex for the infection, and advil for the inflamation. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am a little bit desperate for relief. :'( ???
Hi kris and welcome to Sjogrens World!
I'm glad that you found us and that you have already found the site to be helpful and informative for you!
You asked what type of doctor you should see....us sjoggies seem to make a habit of collecting many "ologists" in many different specialities! Its usually good to start with a rheumy as they are the ones that deal with autoimmune disorders.But if you are in need of treating some symptoms sooner than 6 months.....would your GP be willing to treat some of your symptoms or make a special referral that would push your visit up sooner rather than later with a rheumy...its worth a shot!
Hang in there and let us know how it works out for you!
Hi Kris :)
Welcome to Sjogren's world. I'm afraid we're not qualified to dx from here but like Lynnmarie said - a lot of us collect a lot of 'ologists'. As you have probably read, it is possible to have SjS and have negative bloodwork.
Could your eye doc recommend a rheumy? I know my rheumy recommended an eye doc.
It often takes a while for a definitive dx. I hope you get answers soon.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Kris,
Let me also welcome you tot the SJS World! I'm so glad to hear that you've been perusing the board, lots of great topics and some very informative information. Shucks, I learn more from the wonderful members here than I do from the rheumy (he's a quiet kind of doctor).
I'm with the others, I also have a ton of 'ologists (ugh), but I too would see a rheumy first (I'm sero negative too). Can your opthamologist call the rheumy to see if maybe you can get in to see him a little bit faster? I know I've had that done a few times, and I'm so thankful that these doctors went that one step beyond for me.
Hang in there, and keep us updated, okay?
Patze
Howdy do kris!! Welcome to the family!
I'm sorry you are feeling poorly!
I'm not a doctor, but I can tell you with certainty, "SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH YOU!!"
Many of us (me included) diagnosed ourselves from researching online (like you are doing right now). I think you are on the right track. The salivary trouble coupled with joint pain, anxiety, and skin condition sound like autoimmune disease. Now the trick is finding a good rheumatologist. If you can't get an appt with him, you might try an immunologist.
Sending you encouragement to advocate for yourself vigorously!!
Janna