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.
I was newly diagnosed with Sjogren's and Fibromyalgia in July 2017 but have been suffering for a very long time. To be honest I did not even think I had Fibro since I gave birth to my children without any pain medication. When I first experienced hives, it felt like something was crawling underneath my skin. The only thing that came to mind was the t.v. show Monsters Inside Me. I was obessed to find out if I had a parasite inside me or not. I must have watched every episode and found that no one ever experienced my symptoms.
Little by little the hives became worse and little by little I had to stop participating in a lot of things I enjoyed to do. I could no longer do yoga because any contact or pressure with my skin made me blow up like Mrs Puff from Sponge Bob Swaure Pants. One hour of yoga equaled to three days of recovery.
My hives are so severe that one day I woke up with half my face swollen from the pressure of the pillow against my face. That was the day my husband actually believed something was wrong with me. Sometimes having my children snuggling with me hurts and that make me very frustrated.
Does anyone out there suffer from hives like I do?
I have now taken several measures to try to reduce the pain and symptoms. I have cut about 98% of animal products from my body, started acupuncture even though some days are not productive and taking the meds.
If you have any other suggestions, I would be happy to hear them.