Sjogrens Diagnosis? Do these symptoms sound familiar?

[Woolygimp]

Before I go see my physician, I want to make sure I write down and remember all of my symptoms.  What do you guys think... and is it possible for this to be anything else but Sjogrens?
For years I thought it was thyroid disease even though my thyroid tests were always normal, and I never really improved on thyroid medications.

* Family history of autoimmune problems - two relatives with autoimmune thyroid, one with rheumatoid arthritis.
* Diagnosis of Celiac disease.
* Dry mouth, eyes, & skin.
* Chapped lips.
* Hoarseness that usually comes on at night without reason.
* Dry and thinning hair.
* Fatigue
* Occasional confusion, brain fog, and flu-like feeling.
* Weakness.
* Sensitivity to bright lights.
* Low testosterone (as a male).
* Possible kidney dysfunction and proteinuria (bubbly urine).
* Achey joints.

I've always suspected that it was Sjogrens, but I always hoped it was something else because Autoimmune diseases have no cure where as a hormone disorder can be corrected with a simple medication.

Also what about the hoarse voice... it's very bothersome and hard to talk at times.  It seems to come on without warning, and usually the P.M.  I can try drinking water, throat lozenges, etc.  Nothing seems to help.

[Bernice]

Hey! and Yep sounds familar, but would not dare suggest a dx.

It can be many other things, even medicines, but it does sound like you need to investigate by going for testing as doctors are the only ones that can give true answers and even still some of them miss the mark, so you know sight unseen will have you spinning in circles.

[Joe S.]

Let us know how the appointment turns out. Take an advocate with you to the appointment.

[Patze]

Hi Woolygimp,

Not being in the medical field and this being my little old opinion, I can't say what you may or may not have, but a lot of your symptoms could very well be related to a thyroid problem (especially since you already have some relatives with it). 

Good luck, and I hope that your doctor finds an answer for you.

Take care -

Patze

[Epson]

It sounds like Sjogren's too me, but I also agree with Patze about the thyroid, remember that Sjogren's is known as the great imitator for a reason. There are several things that could lower you testosterone, you need some good doctors to get to the bottom of this.

By the way, I'm one of the few males that posts at this site, were a special group

[Woolygimp]

Well my endocrinologist is a very good one.  He says my thyroid gland is perfectly fine and shows no damage, my blood levels are normal, etc.

The only odd thing is that my RT3 is through the roof, something he says is a sign of "chronic illness".  My liver enzymes were once extremely elevated but have since normalized following a gluten free diet.

I never really improve that well on thyroid medication and sometimes it even makes me feel worse.  Dry eyes/mouth are NOT a symptom of thyroid dysfunction btw.

[Scottietottie]

Hi Woolygimp

I think the sooner you see you physician the better. Take the list of symptoms to him/her and  also note down your medical history. There is no way that we can diagnose people in here - it's simply not possible. We can sympathise, empathise and support - but we can't diagnose.

I hope you get the definitive aswers you are looking for soon.

Take care - Scottie

[Bernice]

Dry eyes/mouth are NOT a symptom of thyroid dysfunction btw.

The thing is so many things can cause dry mouth and eyes, too many to say based on what you listed that you have sjogren for sure. Medicines, many illnesses and allergies can all cause dryness.

The one thing I will give is I know it is very frustrating trying to get answers, but you doctor is truly the only one. You may very well have sjogrens, but keep in mind sjogrens mimics a million other stuff in a million different ways. Even if you go to your doctor and is told not sure what ya got accept treatment and keep searching for answers, but we have come to acceptance that the most important thing is to get treatments for whatever ails us and worry about a label later!

Peace & Be Blessed!
Bernice

[Epson]

Bernice, actually the thyroid can cause dry eyes and mouth, depending on what thyroid disorder you have.

[Bernice]

Epson, that's my point it can be from some of anything!

That was my way of quoting, I don't know how to properly do it here!

[Epson]

Bernice,

Now I understand what you were saying