Hmmm, that's a hard one Mseaton. Now don't laugh, but I wonder if that liquid saliva stuff would help. Now, I made myself laugh. lol The only thing that comes to mind is KY. I mean it seems that anything else would make things worse. As far at the outside, have you tried vitamin E oil? Funny how no drug company has tackled this one yet, isn't it? And if they did no telling what kind of side effects it would have. It might give us anal leakage. lol Sorry, but if I don't joke a bit, I would just cry. It gets very frustrating having all these symptoms. Hugs mseaton. If you find out anything, it would be nice to know if there is something out there that helps.

OK MissKristy I am laughing. And you are right laughter is the best medicine. But I'm not laughing every time I have to pee. This is an issue that I deal with more than any other dryness. I have such dryness that my skin is cracked and bleeds. I have been prescribed and use Lidex Ointment, it is a strong steriod cream, but it is something that you have to use with caution. I have tried everything else and nothing works. Wish you luck.

Thank you both for your replies. I sometimes feel like I am the only one with this aspect of sjorgens. I do feel bad for others but am relieved I am not alone with this. Yes, finding humor at times keeps me sane. Well somewhat sane anyway.

You know, I just wanted to share something with you. I wanted to go to this Dr. in Dallas, TX. His name is William Rae. He has an institute there which I know could help us. He does immunology and has come up with a thing where they take some of you blood, clean it up and add the healthy cells and inject it back into you that strengthens your immune system. And really, it's not all that expensive. But get this. Because I have Tricare Insurance, I can not see them, not even if I pay privately because Tricare will not allow them to see their patients. Crazy huh? But they are working on trying to change this so that I can fly there to see him. I know this place works because I had a doctor who treated me several years ago when I had ulcerative colitis and other immune problems with diet and some other natural things and I got well. I had to even change my environment and stay away from certain chemicals, molds and had to be in purified air for so many hours a day. I had lost 30 lbs by that time and could no longer eat. He got me well. I really thought I was going to die. Check out his website. http://www.ehcd.com/

I was also thinking about the vaginal problem again last night in bed as I sometimes do. lol I get my best solutions in the middle of the night. What about Corn Husker's lotion??????? I mean, it heals cracked hands. My father used to use it. I wonder if it can be used in that area??????

I too have tricare and want to go to the Mayo Clinic, but no such luck. I have just recently heard of a similar procedure that is suppose to be a wonder procedure. It was called something different and a friend was telling me about it.I will have to find the info again and will let you know.

I am unsure of corn huskers...might help. The problem is so many things sting or irritate also I get yeast infection easily when I try to use anything. I would say more but not on a public post.

Yes, I would have liked to go to the Mayo Clinic also. It seems anything having to do with the government is a big stop sign. Do they not want us to get better? Or maybe it's the fact that since Gulf War Syndrome falls under the same catagory as an autoimmune disorder, they are afraid it may open a can of worms... Hmmm makes you really think doesn't it?

As far as the vaginal mystery. I really don't know what to think or do. It's one of those things that it seems no one really addresses. And how the hell can you have sex under those circumstances?????? My doctor is of male gender. Guess that makes it not important. lol Maybe if he had a dry rod stuck up his rear, he'd think twice about it. Ooops, sorry, I shouldn't talk that way, but it's the truth. lol You must excuse me, I think I'm developing Turrets syndrome as well. lmao I love this group.

My husband is actually one of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia as a result of the Gulf War. He is retired now but it took about 5 years before the VA finally said fibro. He immediatly filed to get his disability rating changed and they gave him a 90% disability rating. The problem is he can't ever get in to his rheumatologist. The increased disability check isn't worth the pain he has. Love the government.

I think if these male doctors had wives who suffered they would look at it differently. Maybe if we could have sex we would be less dry...hmmm

I love your attitude...no need for apologies this is a place to vent, I do alot of that myself.

lmao. You are so right. lol Well put. Yeah, not as happy with our medical system here in the U.S. And I tell you, if they pass the health care reform, we're up s**t creek without a paddle. Don't even get me started on our fearless leader. lol Just my opinion. Doesn't mean I'm right.

I have that too. I asked the rheumy about it and she recommended a product called Replens (sp?). It helps somewhat but I kept forgetting to used it like recommended and I 'think' it is most effective if used as recommended. (can't remember if it was once or twice a week or something like that.) It to me was pretty pricey at around $18 for one box.

Then I went to the urologist for a problem I was having and he immediately noticed the irritation and dryness and wrote a prescription for Estrace, and estrogen based cream. Instead of using the applicator, he told me to just put some on a finger, about the same amount as if putting on toothpaste, and rub that in and around the area daily.

Again, I have to admit, I am horrible at remembering to do this daily. But, it works and the dryness is so much improved. I imagine if I used it daily, I would even feel better. Cost for a tube is $15 for me and it has been lasting a long while. (probably cause I can't remember to use the darn stuff! :(

Good advice Sassie. I guess a little dab with do ya. lol I'm just thankful that I haven't had to deal with this issue, yet. Maybe I'll get lucky...... So much good advise in here. I really love this group.

My eye Dr told me to take three omega 3 6 9 . It helps me with vaginal dryness. worth a try??? lol hugs Marilyn

My Dr. said the best thing for the vaginal dryness is good old Vaseline. It's inexpensive and not messy. Hope this helps :)

Just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents when I saw all the comments about the Mayo clinic. I live next door to it...worked there for years, and am a patient there as well. Trust me, Mayo doesn't have the answers to autoimmune diseases any more than anyone else. I'm extrememly disappointed in my care there...the rheumies generally say "you have to learn to live with it", and they have the same standard meds as anyone else (meds which never worked for me anyway). So for the love of god, save your money and your sanity, and don't bother driving halfway across the US to get here...it sure isn't worth it from my point of view.