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.
The more I learn about Sjogren's the more I see it overlapping or very common issue for those with other autoimmune diseases/syndromes.
I have hypothyroid (since 2009) and being treated for Fibromyalgia, and now I'm working with my pcp and next week a rheumatologist to try and sort this all out. I also had my gallbladder removed in 2010 - as it was "not functioning properly" but I never had any stones and it never bothered me before ... then I was admitted into the ER with it acting up.
I am a pretty resilient person, but with all these issues, and new symptoms (muscle weakness, joint flaring, lose of strength in hands, fatigue, brain fog, etc.) I'm starting to feel like a hypochondriac. I've been told it is probably menopause - but since when did menopause make your ANA positive, or brings nodules to all your finger joints?? Anyone else suffering from these same issues or other multiple autoimmune issues?
It all seems that my whole body went out of commission back in 2008 when I had a colon resection (lower sygmoid) and then contracted Clostridium Difficile (C-Diff - like MSRA of the intestines) - my whole body has never recovered since then. Anyone have similar issues or any suggestions on how to proceed in getting a balance back to my body.
I have hypothyroid (since 2009) and being treated for Fibromyalgia, and now I'm working with my pcp and next week a rheumatologist to try and sort this all out. I also had my gallbladder removed in 2010 - as it was "not functioning properly" but I never had any stones and it never bothered me before ... then I was admitted into the ER with it acting up.
I am a pretty resilient person, but with all these issues, and new symptoms (muscle weakness, joint flaring, lose of strength in hands, fatigue, brain fog, etc.) I'm starting to feel like a hypochondriac. I've been told it is probably menopause - but since when did menopause make your ANA positive, or brings nodules to all your finger joints?? Anyone else suffering from these same issues or other multiple autoimmune issues?
It all seems that my whole body went out of commission back in 2008 when I had a colon resection (lower sygmoid) and then contracted Clostridium Difficile (C-Diff - like MSRA of the intestines) - my whole body has never recovered since then. Anyone have similar issues or any suggestions on how to proceed in getting a balance back to my body.
This whole thing seems to be just one thing after another. Earlier this year I was doing great, then my liver numbers went up, now, not so happy. I may have to drop MTX (hopefully not forever). Your symptoms sound a lot like RA, but could be other autoimmune diseases. It is crazy!
I have noticed lots of overlap! Not just between auto immune diseases, but also between Immune Disease and Auto Immune too. Because I have an Immune Disorder, I read posts all the time of people like my self who have and Immune Disorder with Auto Immune Disorders piled on top of that.
And here, I haven't heard too many people with just one Auto immune issue. Seems like these illnesses like to travel 2 by 2 if not more!
I really wonder sometimes...is it just that one illness makes the body vulnerable to more, is it genetic, etc...I don't know, but there definitely seems to be some sort of pattern (I am SO not smart enough to figure it out though) !
:) LuLu
GOOD questions. I am struggling with trying to put a name on what I have as well. I am antibody positive for Sjogren's 100% so initially my doc told me it was primary. Now my joint pain and swollen hands are my biggest concern. I have a high rheumatoid factor, but not the 'characteristic' signs of RA (red, warm joints, flare ups). I just have morning stiffness and swelling.
So my rheumatologist basically says you treat symptoms and don't give it a name. I'm just worried about having RA because of joint damage, but I suppose you could get that from any of the autoimmune diseases w/ arthritis?
If your rhuemy is treating you for arthritis, hopefully they also prescribed Plaquinil or an equivalent to avoid permanent damage from RA.
I can totally relate to the overwhelm -- it just feels like too much! Too many diseases, too many meds. But in my case, for the most part, the diseases are worse than the meds... I am tapering down on my prednisone right now, and it's just awful to find how much horrid RA is lurking "beneath" the prednisone and is coming back now.
But often I can't handle the different meds, seem to get severe side effects with many, which makes me just want to drop them all sometimes. It just can't be right to have to take so many medications.
My RA was triggered by some kind of intestinal infection/dysentery, similar to your history. but I also have a genetic predisposition, I think, since my dad had RA. Wish I could figure out a way to prevent any more autoimmune diseases from piling on! No answers for you but lots of empathy,..
xTina