Newly Diagnosed

[hopey]

Hi I just wanted to get some info before I go back to the rheumy tomorrow. They called today and said my blood work came back positive for Sjogren's, I went a week ago to him after my primary doc. said I probably have lupus. The rheumy said no on the lupus let's run more test. So now I have to learn about this condition after I spent 6 weeks learning about lupus. LOL Well I was just wondering how this progresses. I am a mother of 3 birth children and 2 foster babies and am tired ALOT, we barely made it through the last few weeks of our homeschool year. But the summer is here so I am hoping to get this under control as much as possible over the next few months. I don't have issues with dry mouth at all, and the only times my eyes are dry is after I wear my contacts all day. So I am a little confused, I do have joint pain, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, low iron and vitamin d so who knows, I guess the rheumy will explain more tomorrow. Do any of you suffer from missed periods? That is going on right now and honestly I have taken three pregnancy tests as I am a little paranoid about more babies in the house as we are taking care of a 5 month old and a 11 month old:) My husband has been "fixed" so this shouldn't be a possibility anyway, but wondered if it is just a side effect of this. Thanks for any feedback!!
Hope

[sleeeepy]

Hello and welcome, has Doc checked your B12 levels? Should have this checked because it can make symptoms worse if it is low. I don't miss periods not yet at least. Sometimes stress can cause one to miss periods and sounds like you could be under lots of stress right now.  How old are you..you seem younger so thinking menopause problems is not the issue? Take care...Mary

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Hope and welcome to Sjogrens World!

It sounds like your rheumy is moving right along with testing and diagnosing....that's great! Some people have to wait years to find a diagnosis....so hold onto that rheumy!

AS far as how Sjogrens progresses, there is no way to tell as it affects each of us so very differently...some of us have very mild symptoms...some of us have it much more difficult with organ and nerve involvement. Some feel better over time, some get worse, some go back and forth. There is no pattern or any way to foresee what path each person will take.

The best advice is to treat each symptom as it comes up and try not to worry what tomorrow will bring ( I know that's easier said than done). Many times we end up worrying about things that end up not occurring anyway!     

Try to jot down your questions tonight before you go back to the doc tomorrow...that way you wont forget anything once you get into the office.

Good luck to you.....come back here for as much information a you can stand reading about...there is lots here!

[hopey]

Hi Mary I am 31 so if you want to say that I am young, that sounds good to me!!
Hope

[Pisces24]

If your thyroid is off that can cause missed periods too. So can stress.

Surprised you can still wear contacts!  I wore mine for years then suddenly became "allergic" to them. They would coat over real bad. That was maybe 3 years prior to my "6 yr journey with drs". I didn't have the Schimer's test then so now I wonder.  I wear glasses now but do need drops ocassionally as I get an allergy eyes feeling.

Sjogrens affects everyone differently and everyone progresses differently I know it is true but it sounds like such a "cop out" when you want hard facts! Drs just don't know.  I have very "weird" bloodwork and a heck of a lot of teeth cavities - those are my main symptoms. Then I have a bunch of "smaller" issues that they are monitoring in case they become big ones.

Wow! Taking care of 5 little ones. Bet you are a gal that is better at taking care of everyone else than yourself. Me too. I had to learn and you will too on how to take better care of yourself. Good Luck!

[Patze]

Hi Hope,

Let me also welcome you to the SJS World and family!  I'm sorry to have to meet you this way, but I'm sure glad that you've found us! 

Please look around as there are tons of topics that you just might find interesting and informative.

Again, welcome and I hope to be able to chat with you soon!

Take care of yourself -

Patze

[Carolina]

Dear hopey, welcome to the "wild world" of Sjogren's:

All in all, it's best when you KNOW what is going on, even if it seems like bad new.  You have a place to start with techniques for managing your condition.

Sjogren's is actually more prevalent than Lupus, second only after Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Stay tuned, keep us posted.

You have a VERY full life, and there are many ways you can adjust your life for this new diagnosis.

Here you will find information, sharing, support, and a place to dump your worries and concerns.

Kisses

Carolina

[tomsmom]

Hi Hopey,
I wanted to welcome you!  You sure do have your hands full.  I'm another one without dryness issues.  We presented a lot alike.  My doctor sent me to the Rheumatologist saying she thought I had Lupus and the Rheumatologist said no Lupus, but Sjogrens.  I'm a little over a year into this.  I hope you find a lot of useful information here.  The people on this board are great.
Welcome!