Sjogrens and water retention

Hi Meg,

I have noticed unexplained wide swings between fluid retention and diuresis. Sometimes I put water retention down to periods of constipation, but I admit this doesn't really cover all of the incidences. Obviously, we all retain water for a few hours immediately after eating a very salty meal too, but these phases happen too often in my case to be explained by salty food, as I only very rarely eat a meal containing a lot of salt - usually when eating out in restaurants.

I get wide variations in the severity of my symptoms too - but usually on a cycle of months or even years rather than weeks. I'll try and keep tabs on whether or not there's any correlation between these variations and fluid retention or diuresis.

My abdomen is so strangely shaped now after so many surgeries combined with 40-50 lbs excess weight for the last 8 yrs that it's hard to tell, though sometimes I know pant waists seem more snug than they should, especially since I've lost 20 lbs. What I do know is that sometimes when I'm about to fall asleep I have to get up 4 or 5 times for bathroom trips that I shouldn't be needing, and those are just spontaneous eliminations of excess fluid. This has only been happening in the last few yrs. Before my hysterectomy at 27, my endometriosis would cause horrific sudden bloating. The endo may be related to ss.

My upper eyelids.are always puffy now, full of extra fluid. Don't know if it's ss or the evoxac I use.

Meg, thanks for that question..ive had Sjorens for 30 years also i have fibromyalgia and other autoimmune issues, this is first time I have never ever heard this mentioned, but thats exactly what i go through..wow..its even niticeabke to ithers.,but i have never put it down to a flare ups, looking forward to reading pthers comments...thaks meg..bless you..😍

I deal with water retention as SS has impacted my kidneys. Have you had your kidneys checked? I will highly recommend it as I didn't find out until too late now mine are only functioning at 17%, so please get them checked!