good news

[AnneNeville]

I had another visit with my rheumatologist on Monday. In the last few weeks, my Sjogren's symptoms have been improving. My mouth is less dry and I'm sleeping through the night. My eyes are also less dry and more comfortable. I no longer have to use Systane gel every night.

Even more amazingly (for me), when I sleep I wake up feeling rested. I have not woken up feeling rested in years--so much so that I'd decided that my constant fatigue was imaginary (laziness, lack of willpower) rather than real. Going off wheat means that I have far fewer stomach-related problems and I'm in less discomfort day to day. My anxiety is much better. My double vision is stable, and I can run, dance, and bike (once I get my bike.

I still have some occasional joint pain. Perhaps due to the Prednisone, my muscles fatigue quickly. I find that I have to exercise very regularly to have enough stamina to do things that I want, such as dance classes. In some ways, I feel like my medical needs are a full time job. But at least I'm seeing real improvements, after years of struggling with no perceivable results.

My rheumy is optimistic that we can get the Sjogren's into remission. I'm really happy. I had thought that once I lost the tears and saliva, that I'd never get them back. Now, with so many of my symptoms lessening, I am beginning to think of my future with hope that I can find a lifestyle and work that I can maintain and find satisfying.

[P.Trish]

Anne, Thanks for sharing your good news!
We must never give up hope.
Tricia

[susanep]

I am so glad you are having real improvement. That must feel so uplifting to you.

susanep

[Deb 27]

Great news!!!!

[Sharon]

Good to hear this Anne!
Have your tears and saliva returned?
To what do you attribute your recent improvements?

[Carolina]

Dear Anne,

So happy for you!  The Plaquenil plus the Prednisone Burst are doing the trick, it seems.

Nice to hear good news.

Regards,  Elaine

[irish]

I'm glad you are feeling better. Don't try to figure it out just accept it as it is and enjoy life. Irish

[Kathy57]

Anne,

So happy for you!  I would love to just have normal energy again even if for only part of the day!  Some days it is hard to get out of bed, but we must.

I hope this good luck continues.  So glad you finally were diagnosed.

Kathy

[AnneNeville]

Good to hear this Anne!
Have your tears and saliva returned?
To what do you attribute your recent improvements?

Yes, my tears and saliva have returned, perhaps not to 100%, but I am now comfortable and sleeping through the night when a few weeks ago I was waking up to drink and with painful eyes.

My doctor told me to start taking 50 mg per day of DHEA about two weeks ago, and I think that has helped dramatically. She put me on it in response to a blood test that showed my levels were very low.

[Sharon]

Thank you for your response Anne,
I think I will try DHEA again. I'm on the very low side but had allergic responses to it.