I'm new - what's worked for you?

[Life Coach]

Hello, everyone!
I'm new to this whole thing, and although it is unfortunate that we are "meeting" like this, I'm grateful for this place to connect.  Do any of you have ideas about ways to affect moisture production/retention?  I've looked around the Internet but haven't yet found a great deal about this.  It's possible that I'm simply not finding the answers I am wishing for . . .

One of the nurses mentioned we need to keep hydrated; can use mouth spray, sugar-free candies, and eye drops; and that humidifiers may be helpful.  Anything else?  What has been effective for you?  Does a humid climate make much difference?

Thanks so much.  I appreciate your willingness to share.

Life Coach

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Life Coach and Welcome to Sjogrens World!

I'm glad that you found us and that you are finding these Boards to be safe and comfortable!

All of the suggestions that your nurse mentioned are great starters....remember if you use eye drops to try to insure that they are preservative free. There are also other options for dry eyes like punctual plugs and the prescription Restasis.

For the mouth dryness in addition to the over the counter sprays and gels, there are also 2 prescription medications available as well (Evoxac and Salagen). Most of us always have something to drink with us at all times...and remember to sip your water as drinking it fast can do the opposite and wash what saliva you have away! it defeats the purpose!

Many of us here also like the Biotene products found in any department store by the toothpaste and mouthwashes. They have toothpaste, mouth rinse, gum, mouth gel, etc available. They can be a bit pricey but they do help so many of us! If you use other mouthwashes instead...try to get the alcohol free ones as alcohol is drying.

I know others will come along with more suggestions...these are just a few off the top of my head!

Good luck to you and let us know how you are doing!

[Linda196]

Hello and welcome from me, too, Life Coach.

I hope you find the information you need here, and I'm sure you will find the support and understanding!

[Scottietottie]

Hi Life Coach 

Welcome to Sjogren's world.

If you use the search box at the top left and type in a topic that interests you there is a good chance of finding something in older threads.

Of course we're all open to questions as well - and venting when needed!   

Take care - Scottie 

[Redetha]

I felt the same way as you do when I first started coming to this site.  However, this is a great place.  I take the Evoxac daily and use Refresh eye drop in the daytime and the Celevisc drops at night.  The Evoxac is a RX and the others are over the counter.  I also take Musinex (over the counter)  The Musinex was given to me from my ENT whom I trust.  I really think I am a brown bag pill eater sometimes but it does help.  The moderators are great in here so keep coming back and you'll find out a lot.  Hugs from one Sjogie to another.

[Dolly Dimples]

  Welcome Life Coach,     It seems that your nurse knows what she is talking about, so many of them have no idea how we Sjoggies suffer,   as do many of our

Doctors, families & friends !    this place is a safe haven to come when one is worried depressed and unsure about different aspects of this complaint...
                             
Each one of us can be so different in our symptoms, just as you yourself, but there is nearly always someone who has  or has had the same symptoms
    (mine is the  lack of moisture everywhere too)     keep visiting and you will quickly become one of the "family"

                                                                                                          Dolly.

[beverley]

Hi Life Coach,

You have come to the right place - there are so many people here with excellent medical knowledge and a wealth of experience (not me I'm just along for the ride).  I use viscotears single dose gel for my eyes and lacrilube (over the counter) at night.  I also use Glandosane oral spray at night as that is when my mouth dries out the worst, and Ortho Gynest vaginal cream.  It takes a while to find what works for you and it won't be the same as everyone else - I should think there are very few people who take exactly the same mix.  Good luck, life will get a lot easier once you find your 'recipe'.

Beverley