Sjogren's and Other Auto Immune Diseases

[Sleepy In Seattle]

Lupus, Sjogrens, APS and Raynaud's - but it doesn't really matter because they all basically get the same medications and treatments. I have a great Rheumy and have learned that for me, diet also makes a huge difference. Two years ago I was really pretty sick...now, after treatment, I'd say I'm back at about 85%-90% of normal. I learn all I can and try to stay active. i also am very lucky to have good insurance, good healthcare, and an wonderfully supportive family - I don't know what I would do without all those things.

[mshistory]

Lupus and Sjogren's.

Most debilitating symptoms are severe fatigue, joint pain and swelling, lung inflammation (use albuterol for shortness of breath) but also have a tendency to develop pleurisy and nausea.

I have annoying symptoms but not debilitating: mutliple skin rashes, pretty extensive hair loss, random fevers, and a host of other things.

Other diagnoses not AI related: migraines (although some of my migraines may be "lupus headaches" as opposed to the migraines I get with an identifiable trigger - hormones, wine, etc.) and IBS. Rheumy has mentioned fibromyalgia but it's not on my offical list of diagnoses (and gosh, I hope it doesn't get on there ... )

[laura88]

I have Primary Sjogren's only right now (and hopefully forever!) plus Raynaud's and IBS, but I was worked up for Rheumatoid Arthritis at my last rheumatologist visit. 

He said my hand and elbow joint swelling was beginning to be more symmetrical vs. just on my dominant side, which is typical for RA, so he wanted to make sure.  I'm negative for rheumatoid factor (which he said is present in 80% of patients with RA) but weakly positive for anti-CCP.  He said that not having rheumatoid factor is reassuring, but we can't rule out RA exclusively on that basis.  He also did a baseline hand/wrist x-ray that was normal.

He said that the positive anti-CCP indicates that I'm at a greater risk for developing RA in the future, and if my symptoms continue then we might try some RA-directed medications.  So, seems like it's good news for now, and we have some additional information to direct our treatment.  I hope reading my doctor's reasoning helps somebody else!

[deniselb]

Just Sjogren's.

[grammad97]

Primary sjogrens , MCTD( another dx for an autoimmune but they dont know what..), fibromyalgia - the sjogrens part symptoms are joint pain, GI problems, dental problems, dry everything, brain fog - I have multiple lesions on brain MRI, had surgery for Dequervians

[Scottietottie]

Lupus/Sjogren's overlap and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Oral Lichen Planus.