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 literally going to write the same thing as a previous post where the person writing has the dilemma of chronic symptoms and nothing inflammatory showing. I have just got clear blood tests back. I have a constant sore mouth, dry cough (2 years), swollen joints (including jaw ache), confirmed dry eyes (ophthalmologist says tears clear in less than 4 seconds) and the most appalling brain fog (I already have a brain injury- so you can imagine!!) neuropathy in right foot and right sided weakness. I felt mad when those bloods came back today. Problem is I'm paying to see a rheumatologist in two weeks and don't even know where to begin. Will also post under separate heading. Very worried and feel stupid. I'm sure that my husband thinks I'm making it up.
I've been sick since late 2007, and every year new symptoms come on.
I was finally diagnosed last week by a rheumy, because she ran all the "special blood tests" that check for auto immune diseases.
A regular blood panel test just won't do (and that's all my other Doctors ever did).
So, now I'm on medication and hoping for the best!
It sounds weird, but I was actually relieved when I was told I Sjogrens. Finally, a diagnosis!! A name to all my symptoms (I am not crazy everybody - I am not a HYPOCHONDRIAC).
Good luck to you!!!