My doctor has finally decided to start treatment for sjogrens . I am starting plaquenil and gabapentin ( for TN ) on Monday. Finally a chance for some relief!!!! I am hoping the plaquenil helps with the horrible fatigue most of all. Now that I know whats wrong with me I feel a lot less stressed out and feel like I can now focus on diet , exercise and taking care of myself instead of endless drs appt and waiting for my results . Yay??
I am sorry you have Sjogren's but it is good that you finally have a diagnosis and can start treatment.
I hope the Plaquenil and Gabapentin are of benefit for you. It does take the Plaquenil a while to work but eventually you will hopefully see some positive results.
Best of luck.
Thanks Jaspar!
Welcome Tracyrose,
Most people who are diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome have spent a long time dealing with many conditions: fatigue, pain, depression, dryness of every sort, itching burning skin (the list is very long).
While is it difficult to accept a chronic condition, it is usually a relief to have some validation and some treatment after suffering so long.
That's why it's bad news/good news.
And the 'other good news' is that living with Sjogren's is often fairly straightforward for most people. There isn't a specific progression of the condition that everyone shares. In fact, there are people who are diagnosed with Sjogren's almost by accident, when something else is being examined. So it isn't a condition that always gets worse, Tracy.
Those of us here are part of a small percentage who either have progression or added conditions, and need more support and information. People who have less complicated cases don't seek out help or check in and then go on their way.
I hope the Plaquenil helps with the fatigue, too. And there are additional treatments that your doctor can use if and when they are needed. And those here have many ideas about how to manage the dryness and other symptoms, if you have those, too.
Keep us posted!
Hugs, Elaine
I am just wondering which doctor is putting you on the Plaquenil and Gabapentin. Is it your PCP or the ENT or your Rheumatologist? Just curious since your Rheumatologist had been reluctant in the past.
TracyRose,
Getting a Dx is always abit shocking... an in your face reality kind of thing. It's a mixed bag however, beacuse as you say, you can focus now. So glad you're being treated!
Peace and blessings to you,
~Andrea
I finally was able to start treatment after my rheaumatologist sent my tests and scans to an oral surgeon. My facial pain and jaw pain and gland swelling were so bad I think she was making sure i didn't have a tumour. Getting the TN diagnosis seems worse than the sjogrens that probably caused it. I am witnessing firsthand that stress reduction does make a huge difference -- feeling a bit better already. It has been a really cruddy journey I wouldnt wish this on anyone. I am also grateful to not have some of the things i was tested for .