Sjogren's patient history
Posted , 7 users are following.
:?: No one has yet said that Sjogren's is genetic. So it is acquired.
The fact its described as a syndrome suggests ther is no known cause as yet.
So lets identify what we have in common:
1: Has anyone in their past had a prolonged episode of frequent (ie almost daily) crying, over 2-3 years?
2: Has anyone had nasal mucous membrane removed to improve breathing?
3: Has anyone ever taken a drug over along period that was later removed from the market. (Like Ativan that i took for several years).
4: Has anyone used Calmurid skin cream?
5: Has anyone had a dry skin condition, 'mild dermatitis', constantly since birth?
0 likes, 7 replies
SES
Posted
What I have found....
[quote:12e1a01a6d]Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack his or her moisture-producing glands.
What causes it?
It's believed that the condition develops as a result of both genetic and environmental factors. Those who develop Sjogren's appear to have specific genes making them susceptible, but the gene alone doesn't make Sjogren's a certainty - something must trigger it. This trigger is most likely to be a bacterial or viral infection.
The gene for Sjogren's syndrome causes these fighter cells to attack healthy parts of the body
The infection promotes a normal response from the immune system, which launches an attack against the infection with fighter cells. However, the gene for Sjogren's syndrome causes these fighter cells to attack healthy parts of the body, such as the glands of the mouth and eyes. Moreover, the gene keeps the fighter cells alive so they cause further damage.
What's the treatment?
It's not possible to prevent Sjogren's syndrome and there's no cure, bur treatments can help to relieve many of the symptoms. Treatment varies depending on which parts of the body are affected.
Treatment may include:
* Artificial tears to help with dry eyes
* Saliva stimulants and mouth lubricants for dry mouth
* Anti-inflammatory medication for joint or muscle pain
* Corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs for lung, kidney, blood vessel or nervous system problems[/quote:12e1a01a6d]
This apparently can take up to 7 years to diagnose??
I hope this is some help to you?
Regards
SES x
Elky1
Posted
terryl
Posted
I live in Australia now and agree that Gp's don't Know or give you any information concerning this, other than about dry eyes or mouth. I was lucky and was diagnosed within days of having a very sore tongue. This was done through a blood test, however my doctor suspected that I had Sjogren's so maybe there was a specific test for it..
I will certainly look out for the handbook.
rose77485
Posted
Now to address the original poster.. yes I have had crying episodes. Unexplained anxiety and depression (since diagnosis) When this occurs I typically take as many anti-inflammatory supplements that I can find and get some rest. That normally does the trick temporarily at least-- the episodes are pretty common.
None of the other stuff applies to me though. Sjogrens is an autoimmune condition, and understanding what causes those is extremely hard. Good luck looking for a connection.
diana25334
Posted
It is good to find a forum which people who understand that these symptoms are not just in our heads but we are experiencing them everyday, Good luck.
rose77485
Posted
Miral6
Posted
I have often wondered about my specific case. I was actually diagnosed fairly quickly (within 6-8 months of seeking help), especially considering that I did not have the classic dry eye/dry mouth symptoms. What I first had was vasculitis in my ankles and calves, eventually climbing up all the way to my torso. I also had extreme "diffuse" hair loss (not patches of baldness, but the kind of all-over hair loss that makes your hairstylist tell you in a shocked voice, "Honey, you have now lost one-third of all your hair! You HAVE to see a doctor!"). Luckily, I had very thick hair and no one else noticed.
I took photos of the vasculitis (I didn't know it was that back then) to show to my GP because I could never time a visit just right so she could see it. It usually faded within 2-3 days. The pictures were key. My GP did some research and then referred me to my current rheumy, who verified Sjogren's based on my bloodwork.
Now, here's the out-of-the-ordinary thing that happened to me just prior to my first Sjogren's symptoms: I broke my tibia while figure skating and eventually had to have surgery with hardware inserted (a titanium rod and five pins). No viral infection that I can think of, but a wound like that and all the attendant risks of major surgery in hospital. I wonder how many people had some kind of surgery and/or major medical intervention before "contracting" and/or manifesting Sjogren's?