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.

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Muscles & Bones
/ Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group

Getting tested this week

stenvikm
stenvikm
Hello I am new to this group and have been in so much pain everywhere. I feel like I am walking around with the flu all the time. I do have Ra; psratic arhtitis, graves disease and now they are testing me for Sjogrens . I have had eye problems sicne 1992 with graves disease. Went to my eye dr and she told me I have severe dye eyes and my eye if falling apart. I have had flu like symptoms for a few weeks or more. My liver lap tests are sky high and my kidneys hurt I have been off all meds since may when I tested pos for MRSA . I am really getting worried about how am I going to survive all this and keep working. I did apply a few years ago for ssid but got denied so i never looked at it again . But with the extreme fatigue Its so hard just to get up for the day. If anybody has some ideas for me that would be wonderful. Thanks so much.. Marie
deleted_user
deleted_user
Marie, It is hard to deal with all the issues that you have on your list, but having the right meds to help moderate your symptoms would go a long way to restore a little energy so your could apply for disability again. There is information about filing at the SSF website. Since Sjogren's is a legitimate disability now according to the Social Security Administration, it might be easier now than it was before.
http://www.sjogrens.org/files/brochures/disability_benefits.pdf

I suspect you will need a team of doctors to deal with the liver and kidney issues, plus your other problems. It is a slow process to get to the bottom of all the symptoms. Feeling like you have the flu is pretty common with Sjogren's because it is an inflammatory disease. Being off your meds would make anyone feel awful!

Good luck in getting a diagnosis and in finding a doctor who will be able to help you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Getting social security is a long hard process, you definately should be getting it but you have to keep up with it. When they deny you the first time a paper will come for you to sign if you want to fight their decision, keep doing that, 3 times most people say. If that doesn't work most attorneys will help you without charging you until you get accepted, we are working with one who is going to get 6% of the past four years of trying. My 21 year old son had a serious car accident when he was 17, and received a brain injury, has been unable to keep a job as the injury causes him to make bad decisions and has difficulty remembering if more than two things are told him. We finally have a court date for Feb 2012. Anyway, good luck, and I'm sorry to hear all that you have going on. I have just sjs and often wonder how I'm going to live the rest of my life with it... sigh... people are doing it I guess. Welcome to the group, hopefully you will get a lot of good advice here as I did, and continue to do.