New to Sjogren's

[jessie1]

Hey everyone. I am new here. I am 24 years old. I currently have Hashimoto's with A LOT of TPO antibodies and nodules. I am taking 75mcg of Synthroid. I went to a Rheumatologist to rule out any other auto-immune disorders. Although I have negative Sjogren's antibodies, I think she is still pretty positive I have it. She wanted me to do a lip biopsy but after reading a lot of not so great things I've decided not to do it. My doctor told me she would treat it without the biopsy. I was wondering if this is ok and if there would be any adverse side effects. My #1 issue is my fatigue. I thought once I had my thyroid under control it would subside but it's only improved slightly at all. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Joe S.]

Welcome to the forum Jessie1. Basically, if you have "Dry eyes, Sinuses, mouth, skin, and below" you most likely have Sjogren's.

Some of us have posted what we are taking in our signatures to help others. I have not been able to take MTX or Plaq. so I have focused on using supplements and other therapies. Somewhere on the forum is a list of AI symptoms. Bring this with you to your Dr. Also bring an advocate with you to your Dr.

[Nathan]

Welcome to Sjogren's World

Good choice. In my opinion, the lip bx is not worth the potential disaster! If your doctor is going to treat you anyways, it doesn't add anything more to the picture really.
Sjogrens is HIGHLY related to other Autoimmune Thyroid disorders. A large number of people around here have both.
If you have any questions, by all means do not hesitate to ask. One of us is bound to know.

[jessie1]

Thank you both so much for your thoughts. I really appreciate it. Is there anything I can do to make the fatigue better or kinda better. I have been feeling awful lately. My next appointment is not until April 21st and I really don't even know how she plans to treat this.

[Joe S.]

Is your fatigue from pain, lack of sleep, or something else?

[eyeamdry]

Jessie, keep your lip under wraps. lol.  If the doc will treat you anyhow, that's all you need.  No need to butcher your lip.

I take MTX and Plaquenil and some other things.  I have Sjogrens and fibromyalgia.  Good luck and I hope you at least get to try the meds and remember, they do take a long time to work.  I've not had any problem with either of them in 4 years. Luch

[Kim]

Thank you both so much for your thoughts. I really appreciate it. Is there anything I can do to make the fatigue better or kinda better. I have been feeling awful lately. My next appointment is not until April 21st and I really don't even know how she plans to treat this.

Jessie, I have ask this over and over to my doctors.  Some people think certain supplements help fatigue.  It could be possible that along with Sjs you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  The doctors always tell me there really isn't much to try when it comes to the fatigue.  And I know what you mean by, kinda better.  You'd take ANY little improvement.

Sorry I can't be helpful.  Prayers to you.

[jessie1]

Thanks to you all for your replies. I have a feeling I will be on here a lot.