It's starting...

[Lauralou]

 Sjogren's symptoms have been popping up like crazy lately. If hadn't had that bloodwork a few weeks ago I would be thinking I'm coming down with a bug, need to keep going to bed earlier and/or "it's just allergies". I know it Sjogren's because of the numbers, but I'm still in denial about the Sjogren's. I'm working on it.

Today started off bumpy.  Fingers felt swollen and hurt when I typed, one arm started getting sore and then it was really sore and then that hand was colder than the other (I think I might start taking an aspirin everyday until I get into the Rhuematologist). Then I kept getting lightheaded and dizzy if I swiveled in my chair too fast. And of course, the day wouldn't be complete with out the daily headache. (So mild, very annoying)

Then after I put my kiddo to bed I went to do my usual work out I did all last week just fine. And I couldn't get through it. Kept having to stop, muscles felt so fatigued, so weak. This has never happened.

Why are all these things popping up all the sudden? It's like a switch was flipped last week and I started falling apart. I haven't been busier than usual, haven't been pushing myself more than usual.  Is all this from a "flare up"? I noticed just one swollen gland under my jaw last week. Usually if I'm sick with something they both swell up. Thought that was weird for just one.

Ok, I'll stop my pity party and turn my frown upside down and fake it till I make it.

[Joe S.]

My memory is short so forgive me if I said this before, welcome to the forum. There are a number of us that have posted what we are taking in our signature.  You may find this link on my website useful.
Raynaulds: http://www.chakraforce.com/Tonations.html#173.

You may want to try sleeping with a mumps scarf over your head to keep your glands warm. D3, B12, Inositol, Acetyl L carnitine, alpha lipoic acid may be supplements that you would like to look into. I take a 6-8oz glass of carrot juice each day. Tai Chi and Isometrics may be better exercise options for you.

Dry mouth: http://www.chakraforce.com/Tonations.html#26.
Dry eye: http://www.chakraforce.com/Tonations.html#326.

[Lauralou]

Thank you Joe!

[stickgal]

Laura:

I have been recently semi-diagnosed. Although I had some of the symptoms for many years (30+), I have noticed more of them since diagnosis. At first I thought I was just imagining them because I had begun reading so much about it. Then I realized that what was happening was I was just more aware and alert to them. I had tried for years to blame the symptoms on things like allergies, bronchitis, asthma, flu, whatever. Now I know what they are and what they mean, so I think it just makes you more aware. I also think that our minds and bodies just grow tired of trying to cope and ignore and they are telling us we really do need to slow down and take more care.

[irish]

I think for many of us excercises are not the thing to do. We may not feel too bad day by day, but the cumulative effect could be too much stress for our body. When we have too much stress we can end up with a flare. It could be that you are experiencing a flare as you speak.

Everyone has to learn what their body can take and what we can take in other forms of exercise such as shopping, socializing, etc. We have to learn where and when to draw the line because our body is not like it used to be.

When a person is working it is very important to know that the job itself is a huge stressor and anything else we choose to do only adds fuel to the fire. You will learn how to deal with this stuff as you learn your disease. The doctor can help also. The first line of treatment for Sjogrens is now Plaquenil and it does take several months to kick in so often and doc will put you on prednisone at the same time. Eventually the prednisone can be tapered down and stopped and the plaquenil should take care of many of your ailments.

Good luck with all this and welcome to the forum. YOu will find the answers to many questions here. irish