Help with my friends symptoms.

[Hoxo]

Hi. My friend has the following symptoms. I wondered if it may be Sjogrens. The symptoms come and go and are made worse by stress. Dry eyes (needed to use eye drops in the past ) dry mouth and sore lips periodically (saw a consultant and offered a biopsy but didn’t want to go head due to possible scarring) dental problems, vaginal dryness and sore vulva, history of Bartolian cysts, periods of gastritis acid reflux and gastritis just confirmed with an endoscopy, sore joints and back pain, torn knee ligaments and surgery needed also stress and depression. Just waiting on appointment following endoscopy and wondered if she should mention possible Srogrens? What do you think?

[dg70]

Yes then she can get the blood tests which may or may not back up the symptoms. It's not good to leave symptoms uncared for by a professional if it is Sjogrens and there is medication that can ease the symptoms as well. You don't always need the lip biopsy as I was diagnosed without having it. Check out your Rheumatologists and read their specialisms then ask the GP to refer you to one of your choosing. Alternatively many of us have paid for their first appointment with a Rheumatologist who specialises in autoimmune to save being passed from pillar to post. You generally still need a GP letter but if you're paying they're much more happy to let you choose.

[NorthAtlantic]

Yes, do, I have experienced all theses symptoms.Go ahead with lip biopsy. It's unpleasant but Sjogrens doesn't always turn up in your blood count and the biopsy can facilitate a diagnosis.

[Hoxo]

Thank you so much for taking time to reply. I will pass on your recommendations.