I was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome approximately five years ago, secondary to systemic lupus. After talking to my doctor, I discovered that I probably had it most of my life. I remember when I was about 10 years old, I loved to go ice skating. So many times, I would tell my mother that "my eyes feel cold." My mother just downplayed the problem because it sounded ridiculous. The doctor thinks I had a mild case back then, just waiting for the right trigger. Well, in 1993, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, stage 4. They did not give me a great chance, but I am here! I asked my doctor if the cancer chemotherapy could have triggered the lupus and its "friends.” He said no, but he thinks the lupus triggered the cancer. My eyes hurt a great deal of the time, my tongue is sore, my body has a feeling of dryness all the time, my lips are very dry, and I have "pins-and-needles" feelings all over my body. I am diligent about my dental care and we (the dentist and I) seem to be keeping on top of it. I use Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash. I do not think it helps all that much, but it is worth a little relief. I never thought at this age I would have problems with cavities on the lower jaws. Luckily, my Sjogren's syndrome comes and goes since it is only one on my list of maladies. I hope I can help other people with the same problem. Published: September 02 ::

I have had Sjogren’s syndrome for 21 years and have suffered the minor and major aspects including cancer in my right parotid followed with radiation, but I got cancer again. The left-side parotid was removed in 1981. It is a very difficult disease to handle. I used to belong to a support group in Phoenix that was helpful. However, I’ve moved to North Dakota and haven’t been able to find one I like. Published: August 21 ::

I can't believe I have it. I'm so fatigued I have trouble concentrating. I get very dizzy. I am so over heated at 70F that the sweat runs from me. I never used to sweat. I have trouble sleeping because I ache all over and because I'm so hot. The bed feels like it is on fire where I have been laying. My jaw hurts on the left side. It is hard to bring my back teeth together. One leg aches continually. I ache from head to toe. My mouth isn't really dry and my eyes aren't dry. It seems my throat is however. I get so desperate for a drink of water sometimes, I'm almost frantic. I get a prickly feeling in my chest and have to guzzle water or some juice. Please tell me if the doctor is on the right track. Published: August 15 ::

I was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome about 13 years ago through having an eye test. At that time my main symptoms were dry eyes and mouth which, although causing major discomfort and loss of confidence were 'manageable'. I did not use medication instead I opted for good dental care, chewing gum, plenty of water and a hot flannel held over my eyes to 'ease' the dryness. I find bright sunlight a huge problem. I would just like to alert others to other symptoms which can follow from this diagnosis. 5 years ago I had a 'lump' in the roof of my mouth - it was Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma which was treat (very successfully) with radiotherapy (not comfortable but effective). I have just been diagnosed with Vasculitis which is currently being treated with steroids. Let's hope they do the trick. It is a debilitating disease which is difficult to talk about but tell your friends and family exactly how it makes you feel and they will understand that sometimes you simply can't speak to them and won't want to show them your eyes. Dark glassed are a lifesaver! Published: July 28 ::

I was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome due to dry mouth. I have some dry eyes, but it was the dry mouth that was the most uncomfortable. I have been taking Pilocarpine, which has made me feel almost normal until a couple of months ago. All of a sudden, my mouth went totally dry, my lips became swollen, cracked and bleeding. This is extremely difficult to deal with. I have seen two doctors and am waiting to see the rheumatologist. My sense of taste is distorted. I cannot tolerate any spice as it causes a strong burning sensation in my mouth. My mouth is very dry and has a burn in it almost all the time. The dryness is affecting my speech and the severely chapped lips are sore and embarrassing when they begin to bleed without any notice. Published: July 21 ::

I was diagnosed three years ago with Sjogren's syndrome by a rheumatologist. I have never been a person who took medication until now. My doctor put me on Plaquenil to maintain inflammation, Evoxac three times a day for dry mouth, and Restasis eye drops twice a day. The Restasis takes at least 6 weeks until you still start feeling the relief from dry eyes. I also had tear duct plugs put in. I must say, my eyes are no longer red with pain, and my mouth has some relief. For once, I feel like a new person. Published: July 01 ::

I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about six years ago. The itchy, burning eyes and dry, sticky mouth started about 18 months ago and, having been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, I assumed it was just about the eyes and mouth and was completely unprepared for the burning skin and sweating, the difficulty swallowing and the general feeling of being unwell and tired all the time. I have eye drops six times a day and a mouth spray but, along with the NSAIDS for the arthritis, I now have to have Omeprazole for chronic heartburn and can’t bear any form of spicy food. My sense of smell has all but gone, and I swear my memory has suffered as I sometimes struggle to finish a sentence and find it hard to concentrate for any amount of time. This has got to be the worst thing I've ever had and it's so depressing to know that there's no cure, only palliative care. Published: September 02 ::