Sjogrens and Injury

Yes, of course any traumatic event will make Sjogren's worse. My symptoms got much worse after I had a dizzy spell and fell down a down escalator two years ago. It took ages before they subsided again.

Just give yourself a bit of time.

Hi Kimberly

I'm so sorry for your accident. You didn't give details so let me say that I hope you still have a whole hand and all digits and had a successful reconstruction. More on that later.

Many Rx pain meds cause dry mouth in normal people so they're much worse for us. I hope this is part or all of the problem. Ditto for antibiotics if you're still on those.

I had a hand reconstruction a decade ago. At a certain point months into my rehab, religiously doing my home exercises & attending PT, I was still having too much severe pain going up my arm. A number of friends suggested acupuncture. The first needle went into that hand though not near the incision, and it was painful but the pain passed. Acupuncture helped me tremendously and I still use it for other things. (I can't take most strong Rx meds, just ultram/tramadol & OTC stuff unless I'm in-hospital ,,, SS and redhead drug sensitivity.)

You're in my prayers.

Hi Kimberley, sorry to hear you are unwell and uncertain. i have had SS more than 30 years and dry mouth has always been my primary symptom, gradually worsening over the years. I have been unable to take pilocarpine but if it works for you thats great so keep taking it. I am not a medico so not really able to answer, but in my view the 2 are unlikely to be directly linked medically, BUT, it is common to feel the difficult SS symptoms far more keenly and deeply when you are feeling affected by something else. Be careful of cutting down too much on food, i have recently started using hospital strength Sustagen (neutral) in a daily milkshake (my 1st milk for 45 years and  unexpectedly enjoying it!). In 1 minute i am consuming many nutrients and calories which are much needed. I suggest you take care of yourself very carefully, including not being hard on yourself, whilst your hand heals and pain decreases, which I hope happens quickly for you.

Hi Kimberley,  I am so sorry for your injury!  I do hope you recover well and soon!!

In answer to your question, Sjogrens can definately kick in, or kick up so to speak when there has been an injury of some sort in the body.  It doesn't even have to be a severe one to amp up in our bodies.  So it sure would not surprise me, in your case.  Did they have you stop any of your meds...if you are on meds for your Sjogrens?  This can also cause some issues as well.   I had a surface blood clot in my lower leg, and not long after that, I developed peripheral neuropathy in both of my lower legs and feet, and it has never gone away.  My docs said it was my Sjogrens that one, was responsible for the blood clot, we are susseptible to this, and then the neuropathy, which is also caused by the Sjogrens.  I swear, if it's not one thing, it's another with this disease!! 

?I sure wish you luck in your recovery!!  God Bless you!!! 

I would agree with the other comments. Any stressor-physical or emotional- can trigger SS flare or worsen symptoms. Sounds like you had both and I am very sorry. I hope that your hand heals quickly.

Have you tried a humidifier by your bed? I rely on mine a great deal. I also use moisurizing lozenges that I obtain at the RX. Needless to say your water intake is vital and a little lemon may not hurt in the water. Mositurize your face, lips and skin as well so that you are less prone to losing fluid anywhere. Last but not least let your doctor know and make sure that this is SS dryness and not something else. Cutting down on food is not good but a replacement product as suggessted may help-I use Ensure- and water based foods such as melons and applesauce always help me. Good luck and keep us posted about the hand!

I want to second a couple of the opinions given below.  

1.  Yes, an injury will make your symptoms worse.  and

2.  Acupuncture might bring you a great deal of relief, as it has done for me.

Try not to be discouraged.  There will be ups and downs.  I wish you the best of luck with your recovery.