Connect
← Return to Sjogren’s Syndrome – Introduce yourself and meet others
Discussion
Sjogren’s Syndrome – Introduce yourself and meet others
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Dec 3, 2023 | Replies (621)Comment receiving replies
I have read that some of the main symptoms are pain in the shoulders and neck along with headache in the temples. Another article mentioned wrist pain. All of these have been present for about 5 weeks. My biannual blood tests are due in mid-June. Should I be asking my doctor to do the lab tests sooner? The pain has been pretty severe when I am at rest. It hurts less when I am moving or exercising. I haven’t mentioned the idea of polymyalgia to my doctor. I don’t want to come off as a know it all. How should I approach this? Can my SS be causing my symptoms? Thanks for your help.
Replies to "I have read that some of the main symptoms are pain in the shoulders and neck..."
Hello @elmay,
While I don't have much experience with this particular disorder, I have had lots of experience in getting hard-to-diagnose symptoms handled. Bringing in a list of your symptoms and research you have done makes you a diligent patient, not necessarily a know it all.
If you present your information (symptoms/research) in a clear, logical manner, respecting the doctor's background and education, your presentation should go well. I have done it a number of times (even creating graphs of echocardiogram changes) and my doctor is always very respectful of the work I have done.
If your doctor is not respectful, then that would be an issue where you might want to seek a second opinion.
Connect
@elmay, I agree with @davelt103. You should discuss the symptoms with your doctor. You know better than a doctor what your symptoms are and it helps them when you can accurately describe how you feel. It might even help if you can keep a daily log on the symptoms and pain levels so that helps you describe it to your doctor.