I was looking thru the little "local" newspaper from last week today (hey, I know . . better late than never . . lol) and in it there was a half page article entitled: "Dry Eye Syndrome alleviated with treatment". They go on about the symptoms of dry eye, causes, age related and so forth.
In one tiny paragrah it says: "Sjogrens syndrome causes arthritis, a dry mouth and dry eyes."
This article was submitted by an Eye Clinic.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't agree with that paragraph about Sjogrens causing arthritis. The way I understand it is Sjogrens can contribute to arthritis type symptoms, but doesn't cause it.
Bucky
Bucky,
I know little. Have been reading A Body Out of Balance, an excellent book, available on Sjogren's World website.
On page 88 the term "Sjogren's arthritis" is used several times and is differentiated from RA. Have been wondering about the terminology too.
Chico
Nice find, Bucky. Anything on Sjogrens that is factual (or close) is a good thing. No one knows what it is and someone reading that little paragraph perhaps will remember that sometime in the future. The word "Sjogrens" is sort of different and stands out as an "odd" disease or syndrome.
I've got arthritis all over and I don't know if it's caused by Sjogrens, I'll let some of the medical people comment on that. Right now, my elbows are killing me. ;D Not sure what's special about my elbows just now, but they are very tender.
Lucy
Hummm, interesting observation Bucky, I too would question the wording. I would rather imagine Sjogren's could contribute to the arthritis since it deprieves our system of moisture. Arthritis and dryness doesn't especially go together harmoniously. ::)
Thanks for letting us know about it being mentioned. As Lucy said, it is always good when something is mentioned about it.
Pooh
Hi :)
I thought our first referrals to rheumatologists was because Sjogren's and Lupus come under the umbrella of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatism and arthritis are pretty linked.
Take care - Scottie :)
Sjogren's does contribute to arthritis, it's contribution is pain and stiffness ;D
Can't sleep achey, so thought I'd ask does everyones arthritis afflict them differently? I'd assume it attacks your weak spots like mine likes my upper body-neck, shoulders,arms hands wrists.And I'd assume that cuz of my neck,brain surgery 2 yrs ago. Does it seem like your arthritis hits you during those fatigue times too and does anyone else get headaches? Still in that figuring myself out stage, last year at this time I was a lot sicker and had no idea what was wrong with me. Just felt like I had the flu or something all the time. Been on meds for about 9 months now so at least I can say the (flares) are shorter I think and my nausea and stom issues are very much improved. Does anyone get these lovely cracked fingertips from cold weather and swellon joints? Dr tried me on a betablocker med to help with circ but no luck and I got really itchy. I've tried gloves and lotions overnite, antibiotic creams , the ever so painful newskin painton stuff,-- anything else? :'( :-*Net
Hi Net :)
I have osteoarthritis in my knees and shoulders. My toes, fingers, hands, elbows, back and neck all hurt at some point or other - not always at the same time. One knee was so bad that I nneded a partial joint replacement though. In the UK they usually wait till someone is 60+ but they did mine aged 54 because I was really struggling. SjS related? I don't know. I have a feeling it doesn't help.
Take care - Scottie :)