Terrified and depressed - early diagnosis with no symptoms

[mranj]

I?ve had the worst month. I went to an ENT for a simple salivary stone removal, and he made me do an ultrasound and showed me atrophied submandibulars. He then proceeded to diagnose me with sjogrens. He gave me no additional info and sent me on my way. I read everything on the internet and have had the worst month. I have no dry eye, dry mouth, fatigue, weakness. Nothing. I have some hives that come and go.

I went to a rheumatologist and then I got a positive early sjogrens panel. Again - I have no symptoms I am 34. My doctors do not communicate properly and give me times weeks ahead. I suffer from severe health anxiety. Was there any point in finding out!   What was the point of this super early diagnosis besides to depress me and make me feel my life is over.I see disability and depression everywhere. Is this the future??? Is there anything positive I can take from this. Please help me I am desperate. 

[Carolina]

Welcome mranj:

Breathe.  Relax. 

In most people with Sjögren syndrome, dry eyes and dry mouth are the primary features of the disorder, and general health and life expectancy are largely unaffected.

Elaine

[mranj]

I am seeing primarily negative posts and blogs. Is it that most people who are okay don?t blog? Or is it that people who have had this longer have worse symptoms

[meirish]

I am sorry that you had this unexpected news, but I do want to tell  you that there are many, many people who do not have as severe symptoms as those on this forum. There are many people with this Sjogrens. It is good that you know so that you are aware of the symptoms. This may be the only issue that you have.

Be aware that when the saliva glands stop producing as much saliva you may not even be aware of it at first. Saliva is very important in helping to maintain good dental health. The saliva is important in maintaining the bacteria in our mouth that help fight off cavities.

Make sure to take good care of  your teeth and see the dentist regularly. I ended up having so many cavities that I had to have my teeth pulled due to many infections. I have had dentures since 2004 and have no problem with them. I can eat everything except carmel gives me problems as it sticks to my dentures. I eat cron on the cob with no problem. Have to use the dental adhesive for sure but not in huge amounts.

Do not get depressed and discouraged cause you have no clue if you will even have other symptoms. Some people have positive blood work with no symptoms and others have negative blood work with many symptoms. You deal with one thing at a time. Educated yourself and ask many questions. Many doctors are not very good at discussing autoimmune disease and your may have to search for better ones. Took me a long time to find some really good doctors but it was worth it. Educate yourself and stand up for yourself when you have complaints or issues that concern you.

Sjoggie patients are all so different and to be fair it is hard for doctors to keep up with the strange symptoms we develop. Have to be our own advocate. Good luck and hang in there. Knowledge is helpful beyond belief. Do not get on screwy websites as many of their information is not accurate and can scare the bejibbers out of you. It has often occurred to me that many of the angry people on many sites don't have accurate info.

Most people on this site learn their body and what it ask for. If you have questions about any symptom go to our "search" section and many posts will come up with so much helpful information and so much conversation that deals with our emotions. Fear is not helpful as it wears us out and stress makes autoimmune issues worse. Come back and read and interact with people and you will be less anxious. Good luck. meirish

[Scottietottie]

Hi Mranj 

Do you know that many people with Sjogren's never get really ill. I am not making light of the problem for those that do but for many it is pretty manageable. Treat symptoms as they occur - if they occur.

Take care - Scottie