Diagnosis- Sjogren's Syndrome
I have had severe muscle and joint pains, my legs keep collapsing under me, for about 5 months. My other symptoms include memory loss 'brain fog' and dry eyes which I thought were due to my thyroid condition and swollen glands- in my case the ones located on the jaw which produce saliva- hence why I always have a huge bottle of water with me. I thought I had just put on weight in the face 
Ron- I don't have Addisons!!! I have to go back in 1 month (the earliest appointment I could get) for an eye examination as the meds he wants to put me on is Plaquenil, usually used to treat Arthritis. These can affect the eyes so I will have regular tests. They take 2 months to work, so thats 3 months until I start to feel better 
Anyone else have this? Or take Plaquenil? At least I know what is wrong now... I joined a forum & some people there are saying it took them years to get a diagnosis so I think I'm really lucky. Cassie |
|
|
| Bummer about the diagnosis, Cassie. At least you've got a name for what's been going on. I have fibromyalgia & allergies which has many common symptoms with Sjogren's. I was tested and even given meds for Sjogren's, but I don't have the diagnosis. My eyes are EXTEMELY dry and I'm constantly putting drops and gels in.
Good to join a forum of similar people. Misery always loves company  I know i do |
| Hi Cassie,
I do not have this, but I have fibromyalgia, which is also an autoimmune disease. Pain and Brain Fog are also a very big part of Fibromyalgia. So I do understand what you are going through. Glad you were able to get a diagnosis so quickly. I hope your medication works well for you and quick. |
| Well, I am sorry that it is not just a passing phase, but it is good to know what you're dealing with and to have a definite diagnosis AND it is treatable. All good things.
I hope the meds work quickly for you. |
| I'm so sorry you're going through this.
Hint of Mischief wrote: Ron- I don't have Addisons!!! That's GREAT!Sjogren's is on two of the same groupings as autoimmune Hypo Thyroidism. The definition of the following groupings classifications is 3 diseases from the same group. Since you have two of these, it is now extremely important that your doctor monitor you closely for these other diseases. You NEED to understand that this is very uncommon and that most physicians have never even heard of these groupings. At this point you MUST take charge of your own health and keep your doctors informed. Please read: http://uveitis.org/medical/articles/case/maid.html (about 4/5ths of the way down under "Multiple Autoimmune Disease") (This was the very first document I found that explained Joan's multiple issues many years ago... to this date it is unique.) Quote: Multiple autoimmune disorders occur with increased frequency in patients with a previous history of another autoimmune disease. Quote: Classification of MAS [(Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome)]
Type 1 Myasthenia gravis Thymoma Polymyositis Giant cell myocarditis Type 2 Sjðgren's syndrome Rheumatoid arthritis Primary biliary cirrhosis Scleroderma Autoimmune thyroid disease Type 3 Autoimmune thyroid disease Myasthenia gravis and /or thymoma Sjðgren's syndrome Pernicious anemia Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura Addison's disease Diabetes mellitus Vitiligo Autoimmune hemolytic anemia Lupus erythematosus Dermatitis herpetiformis Criteria: at least three conditions must be present in the same patient and http://autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/a ... e_syndrome And check that you may belong in MAS type 2 or 3. The other syndromes and conditions in those two groupings need to be tested for regularly. I hesitate to refer you to the second article as it is not much more than a plagiaristic rewording of Dr. Tasavibul's article, but it IS easier to read. |
Sorry you're going through this Cassie but hopefully the meds will kick in as soon as possible so you can start to feel better. At least you have the sheepie day to look forward to. If you feel wobbly on the day I'll give you a piggy back so you don't miss it! 
Give Rufus a big snuggle. Nothing like a sheepie hug to make you feel better. |
| cassie
im sorry to hear about your diagnosis....my thoughts are with you! |
Oh Cassie!  I'm so sorry for the diagnosis, but I'm also so glad they have you on the correct medications for it. I hear that sheepie snuggles can make anyone feel better, so load up on those Rufus hugs!  |
Daisymog wrote: Sorry you're going through this Cassie but hopefully the meds will kick in as soon as possible so you can start to feel better. At least you have the sheepie day to look forward to. If you feel wobbly on the day I'll give you a piggy back so you don't miss it!
Give Rufus a big snuggle. Nothing like a sheepie hug to make you feel better. hugs cassie.. Yes the sheepie day will make you feel better |
| Hi, I'm very sorry your going through this...I hope the medicaition helps |
| I am sorry that you have to go through this, but glad that you have a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Sending good t houghts your way. |
| Hi Cassie,
I've been on Plaquenil for a couple years now for scleroderma. Some people on Plaquenil can have it build up in their retinas but so far I've done well with it. Just be sure you see your opthmalogist regularly to confirm all is well. The worst thing was waiting the month or six weeks for it to kick in. Hope it helps you, too. I can relate to the low thyroid as mine was removed about four years ago due to a benign tumor. Feel free to PM me any time if you want to compare notes. You'll be surprised how many people on this board have similar problems. And you thought this was a sheepdog forum!
Nita |
| Hi Cassie,
I'm sorry you are going through this medical crisis , half the battle is getting the right diagnosis. When reading the beginning of your post regarding the ailments, I immediately stuck by your description of what sounded like what my previous OES Shaggy had. Then I read Ron's post and I saw that her ailment (Immune Deficientcy Thrombocytopenia) was similar to those on his List 3. What captured my attention was the similarities when you mentioned the immune system attacks it'self as what happened in Shaggy's case. I am not trying to be flippant when comparing my previous dog to your case as sometimes the same diseases and ailments occur in other species. Sharing information may be helpful. I think Ron may also be onto something and it's worth exploring. Knowledge is power, I believe. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and sending lots of positive energy your way. We're all here for you!
Marianne |
| Cassie -
I'm glad you got a diagnosis. As others have mentioned - knowledge is power.
I really hope the meds kick in and get you some relief of the symptoms. Best wishes to you! |
| Big Hugs Cassie. |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|