New to group

[cindy30]

Hello everybody. I have RA and Sjogrens. Just wondering if anyone else has both of these. I just started infusions 6 weeks ago to see if they would help with both; it hasn't. Anyway, just nice to have someone to talk to.

[MaryBee7]

Hi Cindy,

You'll get a bunch of welcomes soon!  I've been visiting the forum for a few months now and find it has helped me sort things out, deal with the frustrations of this illness, and make some friends along the way.  Looking forward to reading your posts and sharing our experiences! 

[Joe S.]

Yes many of us have both. I found some help with RA by taking High Active Dark Cherry extract. I have taken Bosweilla and UCII that has reduced my RA. As with every thing, do your own research before trying it. Look for interactions, side effects and counter indication. Then review it with your health care professional.

While I am glad that you found us, I do not like it that anyone else should have to deal with this health challenge. I am more frustrated when I see younger people with this illness understanding that there is so little that is being done to help us. I believe that the medical model for Auto Immune disease is wrong. I use alternative therapy because of bad reactions to Plaq and MTX.

Sjogrens: Dry eyes, dry sinuses, dry mouth, dry skin, and dry bum.

You may or may not be faced with other health challenges related to this disease that the doctors do not tell you about. Auto Immune (AI) diseases love to bring their friends. If you have one, eventually you will have more than one.

I like also suggest that people with AI diseases read Spoon Theory on the web. It helps to explain how our lives have changed and helps us understand how we can manage the changes to our lives.
http://butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf

1. Do not Panic: Anxiety can make your symptoms worse. I suggest that you read and practice the exercises in the book Feeling Good by David Burns. The book is on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). It has information on dealing with depression, grief and other mental health issues that you may face in living and managing this disease.

2. Breathe: For as long as you live always remember to breath. When we are in pain, our muscles go into a splinting action. I know that it is hard but we must remember to breathe through the pain.

3. Meditate: Meditation can help you deal with pain and symptoms. When you can do it for 15 minutes you will be at that stage. Here is a very easy meditation technique that will help you as it has helped me. Find a safe comfortable position and close your eyes. With your eyes closed, look to the top of your forehead. As you breathe in, think I am as you breathe out, think calm. Repeat as needed. Meditation can be as good as sleep.

With Sjogrens we tend to have a lot of infections so wear your polar fleece mumps scarf to bed. This will help your body to fight these infections. This link will help with the gland issues: http://www.chakraforce.com/Tonations.html#228.

Omega3, D3, C, Multivitamin, Probiotics seem to provide general support to our bodies when we are facing AI diseases. I like to add an 8oz glass of carrot juice every day to help my body generate endorphins.

I take what I call the Fabulous Five supplements and I wish I had known about them when I got my first AI disease. They are Alpha or R Lipoic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Biotin, PQQ, and Co-Q10. As with any drug or supplement, do your own research and consult with your healthcare professional.

Sip-Swish-Swallow are the three Ss of Sjogrens.

[Scottietottie]

Hi Cindy 

Welcome to Sjogren's World.  I'm sure you will get replies from others who have both RA and SjS. Autoimmune diseases often seem to run in 'packs' and a lot of our members have more than one.

I hope you find the site useful. It is certainly friendly and supportive.

Take care - Scottie 

[CMNK12]

Welcome Cindy30,
    Hate you have sjogrens and ra but glad you found us. This is a great site with wonderful people. Lots of good info to be found in the search bar up top. Many people here with multiple autoimmune diseases so you are not alone. Good luck with your infusions and take care. CK 

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Cindy and welcome to Sjogrens World!

So glad that you found us here! Take the time you need to read through as many threads as you want/need to. There is so much information here but if you don't find what you need, don't be afraid to ask. Everyone here understands so you will also find support and friendship along the way.

Welcome!

[Ark mom]

Hey Cindy!  Welcome to the board.  I have been here almost a year, diagnosed tentatively with sjogrens and possibly mild RA--no positive bloodwork for either though--Graves for sure.

I am sorry that you are having to deal with this, but you are in terrific company.  Have a bad day?  Come here to vent!  Need a medication question answered?  Post it!  We are a supportive and friendly bunch. 

Let me know if I can help you in any way!  peace and hugs!

[Bucky]

Hi Cindy - welcome!   

When I had all my tests run in 2008, my RA numbers were high - but, nothing that I knew of was going on with RA.  Fast forward to July 2012 and one or two (I can't really tell) of my toes is hurting and has continued to hurt and feel uncomfortable from July to the present time.  I've been to the GP, a Podiatrist and will have my yearly Rheumy app't. in March.  Is the issues with my toe(s) RA?  I'm not sure.

Do you have RA symptoms?

There's a wealth of information on this site.  If you put key word(s) in the search box to the top right of this page, it will take you to previous threads about that topic.  Can't find what you're looking for?  My all means, start your own thread.

This forum is made up of both men and women, young, older and everywhere in between from literally around the world.  Of course, the women waaaaaaaaaay out number the men!   

I hope you find this site helpful to you in your Sjogren's journey.

Bucky

[finallyadx]

Hi Cindy - welcome.  Sorry to hear you have two AI's, that stinks. 

I have currently only been diagnosed with sjs but I do hear that AI's often come in twos or more.  I think you will find this board and its' members to be so very supportive, helpful and informative.

If you have questions, concerns or just want to "vent" this is a great place!

Take care of you.