Not sure if I have Sjogren's

[Anastasia]

I'm new here and thought it might be a great place to get feedback. I'm 59 next month. In perfect health until last summer. Active, energetic, slept well, no meds.  I biked a lot, did a little running and walked. Worked full time teaching.
At end of June, I fell off my bike while riding. Apparently, I passed out. Was taken to ER where the EKG and CAT scan were normal. Fluid level was low so they assumed dehydration. Referred to cardiologist who did extensive work up - nothing showed. In the meantime, I felt louse. Weak, achy, as if I had a virus. Checked for
Lyme, mono.  1 Lyme band positive so PCP gave me doxycycline. I didn't improve. Saw an infectious disease doctor in the fall. He said I had a virus. I returned to him four weeks later. He said that it was still looking like a virus. It would pass.
In November, I returned to my PCP for the umpteenth time because I felt weak and she ran a batch of tests. I had an elevated ANA and SSA. Everything else normal (send rate, rheumatoid factor)
Referred to rheumatologist. Saw him in February. Again, elevated ANA, SSA was 481. Everything else normal. Began to have neuropathy. Overall diminished sensitivity.  Numbness in extremities. Especially in feet/ legs. Also had electromyography- normal. Brain MRI showed nonspecific areas is FLAIR activity. Was referred to neurologist.  Had that appointment on Friday. Saw 2 neurologists who said my MRI was typical for my age and not indicative of MS (neither was my clinical presentation apparently) which my PCP suspected. I see my rheumatologist again on March 31st.
Meanwhile, I have had to take a leave from work. I feel that I will never work again.  I have extreme weakness, fatigue, achiness, feeling of a lump in my throat that never goes away, neuropathy in extremities. My eyes burn sometimes but aren't really dry and I produce saliva. Lips are extremely dry - I have always slathered on lip balm. Nostril also dry.
Neurologists were of the opinion that I could have Sjogren's. I sincerely appreciate any insight or suggestions. Thanks so very much and sorry this is so long!

[Carolina]

Welcome Anastasia!

Wow, so much has been ruled out, but it doesn't sound like you are being treated for what is THERE!

You need a GOOD rheumatologist (worth her weight in gold, by the way).

You need a medication for saliva, and probably to start on one of the medications for Sjogren's (Plaquenil, Methotrexate)

With all the doctors you've seen I am amazed that you are still without help.

We can help you so much: with doctors, with symptom relief, with reality testing, with bolstering you for the rest of your life.

My Sjogren's and etc. started when I turned 60.  So you are on  my path.........get help, please.

Let us know what you are doing, we really care, as you will come to find out.

Hugs,  Elaine

[Anastasia]

Thanks for your kind words, Elaine!