I am new to SW and have been dealing with SS for at least 15 years not knowing what direction to go. In January of this year I found a rheumatologist that I feel is finally helping. I have the usual dry eyes, dry mouth with very dry lungs and a dry hacking cough. Also, SS has been working on the cartilage in my hands and shoulders. The carpal bones are beginning to fuse together in both hands and I will have excision arthoplasty on both hands (one at a time) starting in August. I have really bad fatigue and my back and neck are shot. I guess I am here for the support that comes from joining a forum like this. If anyone has any advice to help please let me know.
Thanks and I look forward to any advice from those that have already traveled this road.
Hi Roger - welcome!
Sorry to hear that you too are a person traveling the Sjogren's trail. We have several men here on this forum - I'm sure they will pop in to welcome you.
There is a wealth of information found here on this forum. If there is a particular topic you are interested in, if you type in that word(s) in the search box to the top left of this page, it will take you to previous threads about it.
We're a worldwide forum - so, usually someone is around almost 24/7.
I'm sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time with your hands. I hope the surgery on your hands helps.
Again, welcome.
Bucky
Welcome Roger! Glad to meet you but sorry it has to be here :(
You will learn so much from the posts. You can search just about anything and find that someone else here has or has had the same issue. It's also great for finding out about new medications or treatments.
Hope you have a great day!
Welcome to the forum, Roger!
We have many people here with mild symptoms and some with much more involved issues. Everyone is friendly and helpful. I believe you'll find the support and encouragement needed here. There is loads of information to search.
So glad to hear your new rhuematologist is one willing to help and work with you. I wish you well with your hand surgery; I don't have that particular involvement but someone here may respond.
Please feel free to jump in with any comments, questions or concerns you have anytime. We look forward to hearing more from you.
Take care,
Melinda
Welcome Roger. If you are like me I have traced symptoms back to childhood. You will find a lot of information on this forum.
Hi Roger and let me also welcome you to the SJS World and family! :D
I'm sorry to meet you this way, but sure am glad that you've found us!
I hope that you find the board as helpful and informative as I have.
Take care of yourself -
Patze
Hi Roger :)
Welcome to Sjogren's world.
I hope you find the site useful. I'm sure you will find the people here friendly and supportive.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Roger
Welcome!
Kathyx
Welcome to the group!
Do you use a humidifier to help with the dryness? Also how about sinus flushes. The sinus flushes really helped me cut down on the number of and severity of sinus/throat infections I was getting.
It is great that you found a dr who you feel comforable with and that is helping you. Most of us here have gone through several years of specialist to specialist until we found the right one.