Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Somebody in this group is having that procedure done tomorrow. She has severe Sjögrens, and it became inevitable. I'm sure she'll post her experience when appropiate, and I'll point out your post.

Have you had dry skin attributed to Sjögren's. I have both dry eyes (but not SS) and extremely dry skin, but I've attributed that to aging and prednisone.

I hope you get some good information and, of course, some relief.
bc

Hello there...I'm getting punctal plugs tomorrow (Tues) at 9am. I'll let you know how it goes. My dad got them and said within two days his eyes felt better, and I hope that holds true for me. :)

I have not noticed SS has made my skin dry, but I have almost zero saliva and my teeth are rotting away at record rates. Salagen, a medication that stimulates saliva production, has been a saving grace for me. You may want to try it if you have dry mouth issues.

Dry eyes, Restasis + OTC drops just not getting the job done any more. Dry mouth ( I'm in the middle of 14 fillings!) - not dxd Sjogren's.
Plugs are logical next step. Sure will be interested in your results. Will see about Salagen. Thanks, all. I always know I'll find folks here with similar issues!
V

Have had dry eyes for quite a while-had plugs put in almost 2 years ago-works very well-initially used with a combination of steroid eye drops . Currently use over the counter natural tears. I'm curious to know what else or how else you'll be treated (dry skin, throat, etc)-my doctor told me to drink more-certainly seems like a lame response -didn't know if I stand alone. BTW-getting the plugs is very simple and pain free. Good luck:)

Well I did get my punctal plugs this morning. It only hurt a little bit...like a firm pinch on your lower eyelids for about 4 seconds. I'll let you know how they help with the dry eyes after a few days has passed.

As for treatment of the dryness, there's really nothing docs can do for this kind of thing. Once the moisture producing glands are destoyed by your body, there is no known way to restore their function. So drinking more water, getting punctal plugs, and using saliva replacements are pretty much all that can be done. It sucks.

Thank you all for replying!

I've never taken Prednisone. Perhaps at 39 years old you start having this issues... I don't know. My doctors did the SS-A and SS-B blood tests to test for Sjogren and both came back negative. However, the opthalmologist did the Schimmers test on my eyes (to check my tear production) and it turned out pretty low, which he said was indicative of Sjogrens. And that's how I was diagnosed.

I don't have problems with saliva production.

Deathwarm: I'll like to hear from you in a few days.
PCMichele: Have you any problems with the plugs?

So far I'm not pleased with punctal plugs at all. They're irritating my eyes something fierce...it's like a grain of rice in the corner of your eye that scratches your eyeball everytime you move it. My eyes are turning beet red and are quite painful. My doctor said try to stick it out and give my eyes a few more days to adjust to the plugs, but if things don't improve I'm having them taken out. I can't tell if the plugs are keeping more moisture in my eyes due to all the irritation. :(

well i havent had it done but my dad has and he said it did help. i was put on salgen(i dont take it no more) but i still have dry eyes and mouth. that med did help i did notice a difference. i also use restasis and an over the counter eye drop. you might want to ask about the salgen and see if that helps ya. i havent made up my mind if im going to get the plugs in. ive just been through two surgeries and im in physical therapy i need a break from all these surgeries. i hope things work out for you

I had this procedure done about 2 years ago, it has helped. They still feel dry at times not as bad though, my lids used to tremble all the time because of the dryness . But of course RA has affected my right eye severly which has caused swelling and cataracts since I was 20

I also have SS 6 years now, and my mouth was the hardest hit at first. I have to carry a glass of water or ice every where I go, it's a pain. I drank so much water I felt like my eyeballs were floating lol. I take Salagen and it helps but doesn't make anything go away; my teeth are falling apart and my mouth gets so dry that my lips stick to my teeth. Everything that should have moisture is dry.

Now my eyes are dry now too and I use an over the counter eye drop with an oil base "Soothe" and it helps to trap moisture. My eyes get dry and itchy sometimes and I notice if I don't get a full night of sleep so that my eyes are closed my eyesight gets bleary and I have trouble seeing. I also have really dry skin now, particularly on my feet and my dr gave me a script for Ammonium Lactate, it practically melts the dry skin away and much cheaper than a pedicure.

There is a wonderful book on SS titled: "The Sjogren's Syndrome Survival Guide" ISBN 10 1-57224-356-2, I highly reccomend it. There is also a SS community on DS. I hope this helps, I am interested in hearing how the plugs work as well. Good luck, hugs jilly