Hi, everyone!

[Rwhalen01]

Hi, everyone--

I'm Rozanne and lice in the New Orleans' area. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's in September but (if course) have had it for longer than that. I'm not sure how long--probably at least six years but who knows? I think my symptoms really started showing after Hurricane Katrina. That was a pretty traumatic time for me.

From what I've read so far, I think that like most of you, I suffer the same types of symptoms--severely dry mouth and eyes plus rheumatoid-like arthritis pain in many joints. My rheumatologist was actually excited about my diagnosis, mostly because she thought I had rheumatoid arthritis to begin with.

My burning questions so far are why I can't get rid of a chronic cough and also whether what I experience if I have anything to drink with alcohol in it is caused by Sjogren's. I had one glass of wine with  Christmas dinner and I've been sick for every moment since (like a severe hangover). If so, I'm going to absolutely swear off drinking forever.

Beyond Sjogren's, I'm 49, married, and have one son who's 8. I work almost full-time and I'm a technical writer. (I write mostly about computer networking and server software). I also do instructional design and have been working on transitioning insurance courseware to online training modules. The good news is that I work for myself out of a home office. It's a true luxury!

I also was finally motivated enough this year to lose weight and have lost 60 pounds since April. I did it through a boot camp-like program at my gym and eating healthy. I'm within the healthy weight range for my height and still pinching myself. A miracle happened!!

I'm looking forward to getting to know you all.

Rozanne

[Joe S.]

Welcome to the forum, Roseanne.

[A66eyroad]

Rozanne, it's probably not the alcohol. I bet you feel like you've got the carsick/hangover/flu every morning!

Are you taking any medicines?

I was so sad and sick watching the Katrina coverage in the news. My husband went to N.O. about two years later to run in the Crescent City Classic (He went to grad school at NOBTS & runs every year) and we were sick about it all over again. We couldn't believe that, two years later, the place still looked like a moonscape.

Welcome to this forum! It's been a real lifesaver for me, and I know you'll get the same wonderful support as I did. You can search the forum for specific subjects, or just post your question. And feel free to jump in and help your fellow Sjoggies if you have some insights into others' problems.

Glad you found us, sorry you had to look.   

[Rwhalen01]

Joe, thank you for the welcome.

A66eyriad, thank you for the advice. I don't think I'm feeling like this every day--but If I am, it's much worse after I drink alcohol. I don't really care much about drinking so I'm definitely giving it up. We'll see how much things improve after that. Thank you so much for your welcome, too.

As for medications, I am taking Plaquenil but have been afraid to take Pilocarpine. (the bottle has so many warnings on it that I'm hesitant to take it.) Beyond that, I take Synthroid (I'm hypothyroid), an anti-depressant, an anti-anxiety med, and spironolactone for cystic acne. I also take a multi-vitamin and a total of 6g Omega 3 pills per day. I know the anti-depressant and anti-anxiety meds make my mouth dryness worse but I'm not at a point where I can do without them (another Katrina side-effect).

Thanks again. I'm happy to have found a place for asking questions and learning from other sufferers.

[Bucky]

Hi Rozanne - welcome! 

You'll find a lot of information here - the search box to the top right of this page is good for finding other threads on various topics of interest.

I'm not a medical person, but your persistent cough might be bronchitis - which is not uncommon to us with Sjogren's.  It could also be pneumonia.  Have you talked to your doctor about it?

Are you using drops for your eyes?  If you are, make sure they are the preservative-free kind.

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

Congratulations on your 60 lb. weight loss.  Good for you!!

Bucky

[Narablueeyes]

Welcome Rozanne!  You've come to the right place.  Word searches on old threads provide a wealth of information.  It's helped me immensely. 

[Meld256]

Hi Rozanne, and Welcome! 

I apologize for my late reply; the boards have been busy and I've missed a few things.  (that's my excuse, anyway)   

I'm so glad you've found us. I really think you'll find this site a warm and welcoming place, full of friendly, helpful people and loads of support.  And SO much good information about anything at all...

That's wonderful that you have the ability to work from home. If your schedule is flexible, that certainly helps so much.  We have quite a few people here who have young children, are married (or not) and are working full time.

I suppose you knew something was amiss for awhile before your diagnosis in Sept.  The trauma from Katrina may have had something to do with your illness, but that is only my personal opinion; I'm not in the medical field.  I just believe these types of things can sometimes "kickstart" our health issues. 

I hope you're seeing some benefit from Plaquenil and the other meds. It sometimes takes a while for the full effects. 
Please keep posting, and ask anything at all.  We look forward to hearing more from you.  Feel free to jump in anywhere you like!

Again, welcome!! 
Melinda