Sjorgens.

[Tinythepanda]

Hi everyone,

After my episode on Monday I went to the optician to get my eyes checked and to treat myself to some new sun glasses.

The last few times he's mentioned my eyes were dry. He said this time they are bone dry and to use drops daily. He asked me if i had heard of sjorgens. I know that it can be quite common alongside raynauds and APS.

Does anyone know if there is an antibody test as I'm pretty sure I was tested for a lot of things in the beginning. Optician is sending an email to my consultant to reccomend I have a shimmer test?

Seems I'm clocking up these conditions

[Tinythepanda]

It's the gift that keeps giving!!!

Are there are other symptoms other than dryness. Suppose it's hard to know where one thing starts and another thing ends.

[SjogiBear in reply to Tinythepanda]

Where do you want to start? Sjogrens is most definitely NOT just a case of dry eyes and mouth (although many doctors dismiss it as such). In common with other autoimmune conditions, especially Lupus with which it seems to have a close affinity, Sjogrens can affect many different organs and systems within the body.

The diagram on the USA Sjogrens Foundation website gives you a general idea of some of the symptoms although there are others: sjogrens.org/home/about-sjo...

Some of the problems I have experienced include pericarditis; vocal chord paralysis, throat swelling and loss of voice; myositis and other muscle problems including those involved with peristalsis moving food through the intestines; problems with the facial nerves; dry, inflamed sinuses; chronic insomnia and generalised anxiety disorder; joint inflammation . . . that's just what comes to mind at the moment.

Re-reading your original post it may just be the case that your optician was worrying you unnecessarily . . . dry eyes can be caused for a number of reasons. Many menopausal women will start to experience dry eyes and mouth but will not have any other symptoms for example. Do you have reason to think that you may have Sjogrens?

[Manofmendip]

I have this problem too and I use 'viscotears'.

I was given a genetic test for Sjorgens, which was negative, you I have many symptoms of it.

[SjogiBear]

I have Sjogrens alongside APS/Hughes as well. The information on Arthritis UK is really good arthritisresearchuk.org/art...

The details of the various tests you can have are given on this page: arthritisresearchuk.org/art... . As you can see, there are particular antibodies that can suggest Sjogrens Syndrome (I have anti-Ro antibodies myself) although some people are sero-negative and are diagnosed though a lip biopsy.

[MaryF Administrator]

I have it also and had that test done, Professor Hughes picked it up. MaryF

[Dr-sara]

Hi

I've diagnosed since 2 years

What are the trio you just mentioned ??