Sjogren's Sydrome

[Guest guest]

I also have the dry mouth symptom, which is far more than just being "thirsty." I was a teacher(just retired) and there were times when I was talking to the class when my mouth would be so dry that I actually couldn't talk. Taking a drink of something only works for that moment, because you swallow and your mouth is immediately dry again. I eat a lot of hard candy(Jolly Ranchers are the current favorite) when it's at its worst, which is at night. I haven't had a problem with tooth decay, luckily, but I know that's always a possibility.

The artificial tears are just another "quick fix" which doesn't last more than three minutes. They drain out normally, and then my eyes are just as dry as ever. I have something else(prescription) but it distorts my vision because it's a gel and stays in the eye. It's fine if I'm going to bed right then, but I can't read or work on the computer with it. I have bad allergies, and I think that probably works to my advantage. I started having serious problems with my eyes several years ago, although it began when I was in my thirties, and had to stop wearing contacts because of decreased tear flow.

So far it's just my eyes and mouth, but I also have a rather mild, slow-progressing case of RA, too. I"m hoping they both progress slowly.

----- Original Message ----- From: Dodie

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004 8:25 AM

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Two Sites About Dry Eyes & RA

Dear ,

From: Hasenstab

It's rather a controversial procedure and takes care of only one small symptom of Sjogrens.

Sjogren's Syndrome is not just "dry eye." It is a complicated

syndrome which may involve many other organs, including

the heart, liver, etc.

Thanks for the feedback. I realize I should have put

Sjogren's Syndrome in the subject line instead of dry

eyes. I'm just learning about my new diagnosis. Could

you please explain what it had done to you besides

made your eyes dry? Thanks.

Praying For Acceptance, Dodie