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.

537 Members
1,886 Posts
0 Online
Muscles & Bones
/ Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group

dizziness and fainting?

beekaboo
beekaboo
A lot of times recently I get extremely dizzy, my fingers get numb for a second, my heart pounds and I feel like I'm going to faint. It seems to happen very often when I am running around or on my feet for a while. Is this the Sjogrens doing this or should I be worried that it's something else?

I had an appointment with the Rheumatologist Monday but he cancelled. So now I'm getting really anxious and scared that I'm going to pass out or something.
deleted_user
deleted_user
This happens to me a lot too. I don't know the answer but from what I have read it is quite common with Sjogrens...I am interested to hear what others have to say. I have to sit down or lie down for about 5 minutes and then I am good to go... I have had my heart checked, blood pressure is good, nothing that would cause this but no clear answers, as usual!
janetwhite35
janetwhite35
Yes, it could easily be a sjs thing. However, I would still have it checked as I would rather know for sure that it is not something else. Your best bet for this would be a neurologist anyway. It could either be panic or anxiety which is common with Sjogrens but not knowing for sure is not a good thing and could actually make it worse by making you more anxious. I never had anxiety attacks until Sjogrens but I have had MRI's, etc. so at least I know it is nothing else. When it happens I just try and stay as calm as I can until it passes. Also, you don't mention any meds but some can do this to you. If you are taking any check out the side effects.
Good luck.
MButterfly
MButterfly
In short: Yes it could be BUT (and it's a big but)

You should be checked by your regular doctor as it can signal something more serious (or something less serious). It could be a flare (which needs treatment) or it could be something else - one word of advice:

Have them check your thyroid levels (specifically Free T3, Free T4 and TSH). Why? Because auto-immune issues and the drugs used to treat them can actually cause a problem with the thyroid. It's very important they include the Free T3 - you have two strikes against you already (auto immune issues, treatment for those issues) so it never hurts to get that checked. The thyroid can cause your bp to plummet (and higher than avg pain levels) resulting in fainting and dizziness. It's a simple treatment - and it's often overlooked.
beekaboo
beekaboo
I don't have a thyroid but good call MB.. I actually was overmedicated with synthroid a little while ago.. still waiting to get back down to normal, and maybe that's what's causing this.

He listened to my heart and lungs, didn't hear anything abnormal. He said it could very well be the sjs or the lupus and he didn't seem too concerned. I'm going to keep my eye on it. I see him again in 3 weeks

I'm just so new to all of this so I have no idea where certain symptoms are coming from but he seems like a really good and compassionate doc so that's a big weight off my shoulders.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I get the same thing as well I had planned on askin primary. Thanks for sharing I've had this problem for some time and I've nvr got a clear answer as to y but I didn't even think that maybe its the sjogrens lol. I hope things are getting better for you
MButterfly
MButterfly
That's text-book symptoms you're having for thyroid issues (including over-medication). You probably know this already, but it can take up to six weeks for a reduction in meds to begin to take place.

Good luck!