Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.
Anyone else dealing with severe bursitis and wondering if there's a connection with sjogren's?
Also get random joint swelling with or without feeling hot or turning red...my thumbs are the most frequent problem, probably because I use them so much as a dental hygienist pulling with the mirror and scaling off "stuff" all day long.
A few years ago it was bursitis in my right shoulder, possibly from sleeping on it funny. My 82 year old neighbor had it at the same time. I finally took a Medrol dose pack (prior to becoming allergic to corn) that knocked it down. He got some sort of cortisone injection in his shoulder. We were laughing that we were both falling apart.
I do have other patients who complain of bursitis from time to time, so it isn't uniquely a Sjogren's thing, but certainly may last longer or be more intense as our immune system begins to attack us instead of fighting the injury that triggered the problem.