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.
Hello all! I have had autoimmune issues for almost 4 years now (mostly neurological)... My ANA is always elevated (1:860).. and my sjogrens test (can't remember which one), was a low positive.
. I have had dry eyes on and off the past several years.. but as of this week everything went crazy! I am having a neuro flare, and my eyes are SOOO dry, it's like scraping them over concrete when I blink.. My mouth is horribly dry.. talking, swallowing, everything is very difficult.. I am having dryness other places as well pretty badly (ugh).. and skin rashes... Anyhow. I am on plaquenil, but is there anything else I can do during a flare for this?? I am miserable!
I have to talk a lot at work, and I just can't do it with such a dry mouth.. it's like i took a ton of benadryl! Do yall do steriods during flares? Curious if that is worth a try.. Are there any other tricks to helping with this?
Thanks in advance for ANY advice!
. I have had dry eyes on and off the past several years.. but as of this week everything went crazy! I am having a neuro flare, and my eyes are SOOO dry, it's like scraping them over concrete when I blink.. My mouth is horribly dry.. talking, swallowing, everything is very difficult.. I am having dryness other places as well pretty badly (ugh).. and skin rashes... Anyhow. I am on plaquenil, but is there anything else I can do during a flare for this?? I am miserable!
I have to talk a lot at work, and I just can't do it with such a dry mouth.. it's like i took a ton of benadryl! Do yall do steriods during flares? Curious if that is worth a try.. Are there any other tricks to helping with this?
Thanks in advance for ANY advice!
Steroids only if it is really bad. There are always prices to pay when it comes to any meds.
If you talk alot keep sugarless lemon drops close by and water. You can also try Biotene spray and gum. Hope this helps you some. For the Eyes - Refresh was recommended to me. Use them as much as you need to and they have gels for night time use which do help. Good luck