Another (belated) intro and looong story

[Smudge]

Thank you, Shani.  I appreciate your input.  I'm thinking I've got a chronic irritation of some kind going as well, different than spasms.  I have an anti-spasmodic to take for IBS and OB, but it doesn't help the frequent urination at all.  I have a very long list to present to the rheumy.  I've tried to narrow it down to just those things that affect my everyday life, and what I'm doing to cope. 

I called my GP's office this morning and they're faxing me the test results I got back in December.  They'd already forwarded them, but I want a copy as well.  The clinic lost my 20+ year old medical file, so I'm starting over.     And from here out, I'm keeping copies of everything.

[Bucky]

Hi Smudge - welcome.

As you have seen, our members are very helpful in sharing their experiences, product ideas, etc. with other fellow Sjogren's members.

This Sjogren's road we all travel is easier when we know others share our struggles, trials and frustrations dealing with this disease.  A disease that many don't understand - doctors included.

When you come here, understand we "get it".   

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

Bucky

[Meld256]

Smudge,

1st, never worry about writing too much.  It's good to get background on people. You'll find great info. here and lots of people who understand. I think that's one of the best things about this forum.

Most of us have either thought we were crazy or been told so before we got some answers. Your story sounds similar to mine, too.  My eyes were really bothering me over a few weeks time.  I thought it was because it was winter and I was working overtime (under bright lights and on a computer all day).  One day I finally had to leave work early because I felt pain in both eyes, they were very red and swelling around them. I got to an opthamologist who told me my eyes were extremely dry, so much that the corneas were scratched.  She said they "looked like I'd taken a Brillo pad to them."    And so began my journey...

I'm glad you are getting into a rhuematologist this week. That's great! I'd advise you take all those med. history reports and write down some questions first. Try to be short and to the point...that's the way they seem to like it.

Please keep us updated about your appt. Feel free to ask anything and vent or whine anytime. We support and encourage one another.

Take care and again, welcome!

Melinda