Undiagnosed - sjrogrens, lupus?

Posted by JJ GALLEGOS @jjgallegos, Jun 28, 2012

HELLO,
I AM A 57 YEAR OLD FEMALE THAT HAS DRY EYES, BODY ACHES, DEPRESSION, INSOMNIA, FATIQUE, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, DRY MOUTH.I HAVE BEEN TO THE DOCTOR AND HAD NUMEROUS TESTS RUN, BUT MY DOCTOR CAN NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.
CAN ANYONE HELP ME?
JJ GALLEGOS

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Hi JJ, I'm also a 57 yr old female with all the same symptoms you write about. I recently visited a rheumatologist and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have had these symptoms for many years and seen many doctors including other rheumies. While everyone I saw said my illness was autoimmune in nature (I also have some form of urticaria), not one would put a name to my group of ailments. My bloodwork always comes back pretty normal but with hypothryroidism and low vitamin D levels. Even though it is a relief to finally have a name for it, it's not much easier to deal with it. I'm already doing and taking everything I can for fibro. Try to see a specialist, either a rheumy or neurologist that specializes in fibromyalgia. It's a very complex condition. Best, Tedib

REPLY
@tedib

Hi JJ, I'm also a 57 yr old female with all the same symptoms you write about. I recently visited a rheumatologist and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have had these symptoms for many years and seen many doctors including other rheumies. While everyone I saw said my illness was autoimmune in nature (I also have some form of urticaria), not one would put a name to my group of ailments. My bloodwork always comes back pretty normal but with hypothryroidism and low vitamin D levels. Even though it is a relief to finally have a name for it, it's not much easier to deal with it. I'm already doing and taking everything I can for fibro. Try to see a specialist, either a rheumy or neurologist that specializes in fibromyalgia. It's a very complex condition. Best, Tedib

Jump to this post

TEDIB, THANK YOU FOR THAT REPLY. I DONT HAVE ANY INSURANCE AT PRESENT, BUT AS SOON AS I GET SOME, I WILL SEE A SPECIALIST. JJ

REPLY

did they do any tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

REPLY

Hi JJ,
Please know I say this most respectfully... but all of the symptoms you have are not unusual...they are very common to even the 'healthiest' of people now and then.
For one thing, even though there is a tendency to not take it seriously ... not drinking enough water (other liquids DO NOT count) can cause nearly ALL the symptoms you have mentioned. I know that for a fact when it comes to many body aches and pains.
Dry eyes and mouth are a sign you are not drinking enough water.
In Colorado MANY people suffer from dry eye because of the arid climate. The fires are helping! So, get some GOOD eyedrops -- Refresh, Systane, etc, and use them at LEAST 4 to 6 times a day. The cheap eyedrops are not that beneficial.
Being 'sure' something is wrong with you in spite of what the dr says is also something many MANY people go through. You feel scared and uncertain... and much of this is very mental, psychological and is coming from or causing your depression.
I just wish I could sit and talk with you, but you a cup of coffee, and give you some undivided attention!
I am not saying to NOT go to the dr again...do what YOU need to do... just leave open the possibility that the MIND can do ANYTHING, include create and heal disease of any kind. Google St John's Wort and 5-HTP...for depression and see what you think. I take St John's wort, and to me, it really helps. Try to avoid chemicals for depression...if you possibly can.
Best wish to you JJ!!

REPLY

Dry eyes, dry mouth, insomnia think Sjogrens/autoimmune issues. Many of the symproms overlap. Sjogrens is most known for dry eyes/mouth and painful joints, sleep issues, foggy brain. See a Rhumatologist.

REPLY

JJ, I can't give medical advise for sure but I can give personal experiences. Depression caused me to have all those symptoms. Especially the insomnia and body aches. People don't realize that depression upsets the whole body; throws everything out of whack (so to speak) I pray you are feeling better. Please stay on here and let us know how you are doing. Lots of smiles to ya, Gerri

REPLY

Hi JJ a series of blood tests may assist maybe a good idea to ask your dr. I had a series done on me and it showed high chlostersol which I know have under control Good luck with everything hope you feel brighter soon. Piglit

REPLY

Hi JJ. I too for many years kept saying something was wrong. It wasn't until 2007, when the doctors did an ANA panel ( blood test) where they found I had sjogrens. Sjogrens is an autoimmune disorder. I have to live with dry eyes, mouth, dry skin, and a cough. I am in pain everyday, some days more than others. This disease effects every part of your body, starting from head to toe. This symptom does not show up right away until it progresses. This disease is mild for some and severe for others. I have only experienced twice where my body locked and I had no power to walk or roll out of bed. In other words I froze. I do experience depression, but on the days I feel better I feel I can continue with normal activities.

I don't have any recommendations to share but I am trying to keep a log of the things that increase my symptoms. Be persistent and don't give up. Take care.

REPLY
@anon51434298

Hi JJ. I too for many years kept saying something was wrong. It wasn't until 2007, when the doctors did an ANA panel ( blood test) where they found I had sjogrens. Sjogrens is an autoimmune disorder. I have to live with dry eyes, mouth, dry skin, and a cough. I am in pain everyday, some days more than others. This disease effects every part of your body, starting from head to toe. This symptom does not show up right away until it progresses. This disease is mild for some and severe for others. I have only experienced twice where my body locked and I had no power to walk or roll out of bed. In other words I froze. I do experience depression, but on the days I feel better I feel I can continue with normal activities.

I don't have any recommendations to share but I am trying to keep a log of the things that increase my symptoms. Be persistent and don't give up. Take care.

Jump to this post

Do you take magnesium ? It does help to have energy may help leave some of the pain. Plus you will that you make sleep better at night. It a nature vitamin that get from food, but your could be lacking in it. I have thyroid problem and peas only taking 250 I.U. a day . But for over year
I have been real tired and sluggish with no energy
and not sleeping well. So friend told me to increase my magnesium three times a day. I only do two right now but I see a different in my sleeping , muscle and breathing plus my body dose ache! Sometime are bodies are low on nature vitamins we normally get in our foods. Good luck hope you feel better.

p

REPLY
@tedib

Hi JJ, I'm also a 57 yr old female with all the same symptoms you write about. I recently visited a rheumatologist and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have had these symptoms for many years and seen many doctors including other rheumies. While everyone I saw said my illness was autoimmune in nature (I also have some form of urticaria), not one would put a name to my group of ailments. My bloodwork always comes back pretty normal but with hypothryroidism and low vitamin D levels. Even though it is a relief to finally have a name for it, it's not much easier to deal with it. I'm already doing and taking everything I can for fibro. Try to see a specialist, either a rheumy or neurologist that specializes in fibromyalgia. It's a very complex condition. Best, Tedib

Jump to this post

Are you feeling any better now? My friend has Sjogrens and Fibromyalgia. Her symptoms are very similar to yours. Praying for you.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.