If you can't get the above link to open, just copy this to your address bar:

http://www.medifocushealth.com/RH011/
Introduction-to-Sjogren-s-Syndrome_Signs
-and-Symptoms-of-Sjogren-s-Syndrome-
print.php

Wow a lot of that describes me to a tee. thanks hugs

I've recently read in Devin Starlanyl's book...where Fibro can ALSO cause extremely dry eyes/mouth and affect the glands....mimicing Srogren's. She also mentions that a "subset" of Fibro conditions ALWAYS puts off a POSITIVE ANA Test. Several of my Dr.'s are suspecting me for Sjogren's also, however, my "blood test" (specific for Sjogren's) came back negative, with a "positive" ANA (again). Although, it's reported that 30% of Sjogren's patients will always have a "negative blood test." So, IDK at this point! I think the ONLY way I'll find out for sure is with a lip biopsy for Sjogren's.

Thanks BeckyJo, that site really gives alot of detailed information. I see so much crossover between symptoms of SJS and Fibro. Gee, I feel so lucky to have both!!! (not)

I am new to this site. Thanks for sharing that link. I printed it out to show my husband. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome by positive ANA in early April 2009 and will go back on May 5th for the results of the other lab tests the rheumatologist ran at that visit. He also said I have Fibromyalgia. I have never been so exhausted in my entire life! Thanks again for sharing the site.

Thank you so much for this article. I've been looking and looking for articles just like this. Are there any books that you have found to be spot on and helpful?

I also have fibromyalgia. I beleive it too will be listed as an autoimmune problem some day

I agree totally Dallas!! I'm having a lip biopsy done in 2 weeks, to find out if I have Sjogren's once & for all. I'm anxious to get it over with, so I"ll know, one way or another. If not Sjogren's, then I have to believe what you said about Fibro being an auto-immune disease. I have so many symptoms of an auto-immune disease, without a 'name' as of yet! Devin Starlanyl's book sure seems to "hit the nail on the head" with me!
~tj

BTW Becky, thanks for that link! Very informative! ;)
~tj

Hello everyone--I'm new to all this--was just diagnosed with SS on Tues., but I do NOT have any of the drying symptoms--no dry mouth or eyes, etc. My SSA and SSB were quite high, as is my ANA. My symptoms are aches and pains in hands, feet, elbows, and fatigue. I thought at first I had rheumatoid arthritis, which runs in my family. But X-rays don't show inflammation in joints. My parotid gland swelled up several weeks ago for about 5 days. Is it possible to have Sjogren's and NOT have the drying symptoms? Thanks so much.

very good article! I have lung involvement now so this was informative!

Hello,
I am new here. I don't know if I'm in the right place or not, but I was just looking for some help here after some research.
I was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis a couple of years ago...but I feel I've been generally ignored by the professionals in my life (not to mention my family).
After reading that article, I was amazed at the number of symptoms of Sjogren's that I have...it's simply unreal. And I'm not even really sure if I've been given a diagnosis of SS. Last Rheumatologist I saw looked at his nurse, and she at him while they both muttered "Sjogren's" when I told them I was having to use Visine all night long, have to use a straw since I can't swallow very easily and that I was going to join a lizard community somewhere since my skin is so dry it's falling off..oh, and I can't forget to mention my new dentist fee is $10,000; my teeth are cracking off and falling apart and I don't have the money unless I sell my house!
Help.

I hate to sound like a dumbass...but i'm actually more confused than I was before by reading the article. It is indeed informative...but, there are so many crossover symptoms...I mean, myosits can have sjogren's crossover, you can develop either when you have either, same with raynaud's, the lung involvement...

I just have to take solace in my doctors and trust taht I have the correct dx and am being treated appropriately. The more I read and research...the more confused I am.

Wrknprogress...I think that ALL auto-immune diseases have similiar cross-over symptoms...as they ALL seem to affect so many different bodily systems. I think this is what makes it so difficult for an accurate diagnosis!
~tj

Hi everyone. I am new! I just tested positive for Sjogrens and I can't see the specialist until the end of August. My MD has me on a Prednisone Burst that seems to help joint pain ans some of the other wonderful symptoms of this syndrome but I still feel exhausted and pretty awful. Is Prednisone really helpful an your opinion? Also I do not have mouth dryness and my eyes have always been a little dry, could never wear contacts etc when I was young. I am feeling scared and hope to get some level headed advise fron people who have delt with this syndrome.