Hi All,
New here today, just wanted to stop by and say hi. So far it looks like there's good information from a lot of different people! I was just recently diagnosed with Sjogren's after testing positive two years in a row for ANA and SSB.
I have been developing various things over the years and am just about to turn 45 and finally know why! My latest which I consider the icing on the cake for the diagnosis, was three cases of chronic bronchitis since November. I struggled to catch my breath for about three weeks after each episode and my doc finally sent me to a rheumy who confirmed it. I didn't realize how long my list of ailments was until he started to ask. The rheumy is sending me for more detailed testing, has put me on Evoxac and is talking about Plaquenil. My eyes seem to be okay, although the rheumy said they seemed dry to him and he wants me to see an opthamologist for a baseline.
Anyway, I see a lot of you have so many similar symptoms that it makes me feel better ~ yay, I'm not going crazy ;D
Thanks,
Diana
dianabh2, Welcome to the forum. As you know there is a lot of information here. I use alternative therapies since I have problems with MTX and Plaq.
Take care of yourself. Be Kind to yourself.
Diana,
Welcome to the forum. I'm glad that you can see you really aren't crazy :). May you find the answers you need and treatments that work for you! Have a good day!
Cheryl
Diana,
Welcome. I know how you feel--I was diagnosed a year ago, and the more I talk to the specialist, I realize that all the "stuff" that I've been through for 40 years is all part of Sjpgrens! Hang in there, there is lots of info available.
Jan
Hi Diana,
Welcome! ;D As you have seen, there IS a wealth of information here - if there is a specific subject/topic you are interested in, just put those word(s) in the search box to the top left of this page and it will take you to previous threads about it.
We're a world-wide forum of both female and male members ranging in age from 6 - 80+ and everywhere in-between. (I have done a survey recently, and the "average" age of our members is the 50-60 range - of those who voted.)
Yes, I would recommend visiting an Ophthalmologist - it is surprising how some times there are subtle changes and we don't realize how dry we are until we put drops in and feel the "ahhhh" the extra moisture brings our eyes.
I hope you find this site helpful to you on your Sjogren's journey.
Bucky
Welcome, Diana! :D
Yes, there is a wealth of info. Best part is the information is from those who "live it" everyday, like us. I've learned so much from this forum in less than a year. We share, we ask questions, we encourage and support one another.
And no, you are not crazy! That seems to be the "battle cry" for most of us when we are diagnosed. We KNOW what you mean, believe me. I'm sorry you've dealt with all that bronchitis.
As Bucky said, an opthamologist might be one of your next steps to find out what might be happening with your eyes. Mine were becoming severely dry and I had no idea.
Look forward to hearing more from you. Good luck on your journey, and remember, we are all in it together!
Blessings,
Melinda
Hello and welcome to Sjogrens World!
Nope...you're not crazy...isn't that good to know?? :D
Come here often to find all the information, support and friendship that you need...it's a great place for all of that!
Hi Diana and sending you a welcome too! :D
Patze