Going to see my rheumy tomorrow for my B12 shot. Sjogren’s has reared its ugly head and I also had to schedule an earlier than normal dentist visit. Even with the Restasis (which I started about 3 months ago)and the tear duct plugs, I’m still using artificial tears like mad. My mouth is so dry that I feel like it’s the desert. And my skin is so dry it’s actually cracking in places.
It’s like the other stuff is pretty much under control – ok a bit under control, but the SJ’s just doesn’t want to let up. Go AWAY!
I am at a loss on what my doc is planning to do about this whole Sjogren’s issue. His PA was trying to set me up with a rheumatologist, but those people still haven’t confirmed an appointment and the neurologist thinks it would be a waste of time (probably only because he hates rheumatologists in general). He’s repeating the titer on the off chance it was done incorrectly? He said he ordered an ENA and they did an ANA and it wasn’t what he needed. Whatever that means, right? He said something about the actual value not being as high as one would find in SS and claims the only true way to diagnose it is through biopsy. Know if that is true or not? I sure don’t want to have to offer up a piece of lip or flesh if there is another way to confirm or deny this.
A biopsy is one firm way to dx Sjogrens, but it is really not needed in mho. Check out the Sjogren’s Syndrome site and look at the other ways of getting a dx. There’s such a risk of infection with a lip biopsy and a lot of pain too.
Prayers for you hun.