Sorry if I'm not spelling it right... I have RA and Oa and am now positive that I have this dry condition. It started with my eyes, had to stop wearing contacts. Now it's in my mouth and throat. It wasn't bad a first, but now for the last 2 weeks, I can't go for more than a 1/2 hr. without getting the dryness. I drink alot of liquids, sugarless lifesavers, gum, etc. What else is there to do?? Will it go in remission? I do use eyedrops/restais when needed. I've also been extremely fatigued lately, and I heard that is a symptom too. I've been all out of sorts lately. I'm 48 so, my sleeping is now getting restless... and I've been suffering with a herniated disk / numbness in left leg since Dec. HELP.. any advice out there? I go to the gym often to the steam room, hot tub and water aerobics (when I can tolerate it), Yoga once a week, physical therapy once a week. I'm on my 2nd physical therapist for my back pain, numbness and she's great. She thinks it's related to my pelvic/hips. I get massages every month.... I'm on Plaqunil, Synthroid, Glucosamine/Condroiten, VitaminD/Calcium. Any other suggestions out there on all these issues that I'm dealing with. And, did I mention stomach problems lately too... Like I said, I've just been out of sorts lately... \\ Have an appt. with my RA dr. next month. Getting my labwork done next week.... Neurosurgeon ruled out surgery which was good.
-Mimernote
Sorry to hear about the Sjogrens. I also have RA and this showed up at the same time. I am a teacher and I have to have a bottle of water per class period to teach. I too take restasis and since the dryness was so bad (corneal scratches all over) my optometrist put in "ductal plugs". They can be temporary or permanent. The best way to describe them is like putting a plug in the bathtub. You don't produce more tears, but the ones you have stay in your eyes longer. Good luck!