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.
Is there any chance that my swollen ankles might be another mysterious Sjogren's-associated symptom? This edema started very suddenly about a month ago and is continuing everyday. Mornings are better, but by noon the swelling is very obvious and by evening my ankles "slosh"! I have cut my sodium intake a LOT (have never used much salt and am aware that it is in prepared foods, etc.). My endocrinologist tells me the circulation in my legs is excellent. I have no shortness of breath, coughing, etc. hopefully ruling out congestive heart failure. I am a Type II diabetic and have fairly well controlled blood sugar. My blood pressure is very well controlled with Exforge.....it has been "normal" for over a year.
I have only very mild discomfort from the swelling, however my lower legs have always been very tender to the touch...and I've had cellulitis in that area before. Hope someone has an idea. I will see a doctor very soon, but I'm not even sure which doc to see. Rheumy? Endocrinologist? GP ?.
I have only very mild discomfort from the swelling, however my lower legs have always been very tender to the touch...and I've had cellulitis in that area before. Hope someone has an idea. I will see a doctor very soon, but I'm not even sure which doc to see. Rheumy? Endocrinologist? GP ?.
It never occurred to me there could be a link between my SJS, progressing edema, and odd transitory joint pains. Until one day it finally did. Some searching revealed it isn't uncommon for SJS patients to present with edema, not just of the feet but also trunk, arms, and even face, and joint pain (synovitis) of the knees, hips, etc.
Lungs showing up as hyper-expanded on an x ray indicating some degree of COPD isn't unusual either.
In SJS the autoimmune system basically attacks everything.
In one of the edema, synovitis presentations as above the patient was treated with Predisolone which I think is what they call Prednisone in England, and gradually recovered.
Odd though, since one of the posters below reported edema while on Prednisone and her physician attributed it to it.
Perhaps such things just flare up periodically then eventually disappear just as mysteriously until the next flare. I know they do for me. Sometimes I managed to forget I have SJS then *BAM* it hits me like a freight train. Every time the train is progressively larger than the last.
Be well.