Howdy, I'm a newbie

[Kim]

Hi folks.  New here. 

Apparently I'd registered a year ago, found this as I tried to register today.  Hehehe.   

They did blood work a year ago but that was good and the doctor then just dismissed it.  Yesterday my wonderful PCP sent me to a rheumy.  Who was wonderful too.  She asked a lot of ? and did a lot of poking and prodding ( I was there for fibro)--found out I couldn't cry, not even when cutting onions.  Looked all in my mouth, in my eyes.  Called me a desert.
Started me on plaqunil.  I wasn't even suspecting to even discuss sjogren's when I went there.  They have a fibro clinic and my PCP wanted me involved in that.  But the rhuemy said that she didn't have any doubt really, and that blood work doesn't mean much for a lot of things and this being one of them.  ----

I feel blessed that she grabbed on to treat me and help me.  I've had a long journey (years and years and years) that's included being checked multiple times for MS.  Even thought it was a long time coming, yesterday was sorta like a whirlwind.   

So I'm not much of a talker, I'm mostly a lurker.  But I will have a couple questions.  And a little more to say I'm sure.

[Joe S.]

Welcome to the forum Kim. You will find a lot of good information here. Some of us have posted what we are taking in our signature lines to help others. I have not been able to use traditional treatments so I use alternatives.

[Scottietottie]

hi Kim 

Welcome to Sjogren's world.

You sound like you've found a 'keeper' there with that rheumy. I hope the Plaquenil helps. It will take up to six months before you feel the full benefits of it though. Taper onto the full dose slowly and always take it with food!

Take care - Scottie 

[Carolina]

Hi Kim,

Welcome to Team Sjogren's, we're all on the team, tho some of us are sero negative wannabes.

You have a fantastic rheumatologist.

I had a doctor like that to begin with, but haven't found any doctor since who will consider Sjogren's without the positive blood work.

So be it.

I get the meds that help at this point with the dryness, and have developed an entire regimen for handling dry mouth and dry eyes.

And this forum is amazing with the information, humor, and support that we share.

Welcome aboard again!

Keep posting.

Hugs

Elaine

[Seeker]

Howdy Kim, welcome.  I hope you will find the forum a blessing and helpful in finding the answers you need.  So lurk, skulk, sneak, ect..... all you want.  You will always find a sympathetic ear willing to listen when ever you choose to come out of the back round with questions.  Welcome again.

Seeker

[cremer]

Welcome Kim, look forward to your questions 

[sissyjane]

Welcome Kim. I'm a sero-negative newbie as well. There is a lot of information here, as well as very kind people!

[Kim]

Thanks for all the welcomes.  My how fast. 

I know I'll find a lot of good information.  And answers.  And maybe a friend or two. 

And Elaine mentioned humor.  I love humor.  I even laugh at myself and all the things I do because of the brain fog.  Mine is really thick and dense. 

[Bucky]

Hi Kim - welcome.

Sounds like your doctors are keepers.  If you haven't already, a couple more docs that will be important to you in your Sjogren's journey are an Ophthalmologist and your dentist.

There are many over-the-counter eye drops, etc. for your eyes - just make sure they are preservative free.  Some of us have plugs which help keep our eyes a little more moist.

If there is a specific topic you are interested in if you put those word(s) in the search box to the top left of this page it will take you to previous threads about that topic.

Be sure and check out the Social Board - we share jokes, stories, birthdays, life, etc.  non-Sjogren's related.  Believe it or not, there is life beyond Sjogren's.   

Feel free to join in when you feel comfortable.

Bucky

[susanep]

Welcome Kim you will find a bunch of good info here, and good people who understand.

susanep 

[Pisces24]

Welcome to the Group!  Glad you got a good dr., got diagnosed and are getting help.

You'll find wutg most of use Soggie folks it took YEARS to finally get a diagnosis of Sjogrens.
Me it took 6 yrs.

[hikerknees]

Hi and welcome Kim,
I too am finding this site helpful and friendly.  I wanted to underscore the need to take the plaquenil with food since I see you take nexium, it took me a year to work up to the 400 mg dose because it upset my stomach.  Helps the energy tho.

[June]

Hi Kim

I too am new, diagnosed last week via years of dismissal re: dry eye & mouth.

Good luck, I think we'll need it. 

June