CELIAC Archives

Celiac/Coeliac Wheat/Gluten-Free List

CELIAC@LISTSERV.ICORS.ORG

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Don or Nancy McPherson <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Don or Nancy McPherson <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 9 Jul 2002 05:00:10 -0700
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (65 lines)
<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Thanks to everyone who responded. It's good to have more input when you can't decide whether you're a worry-wart or have legitimate cause for concern.   Here is what six of you shared:     
 
1. ...So my signs of Sjogrens based on my new doctor confirming for me are:

Mucous production increased in the eyes.
You're using eye drops or lubricant drops several times a day.
light sensitivity (due to the "dry spots" on the surface of the eye)
Grainy feeling (which I would describe with attempted use of my contacts)
Prescription changes in your vision which also has to do with the dry spots
and light not refracting properly.
I also noticed for about the last couple of years that my night vision was
going downhill to the point where I preferred not to drive at night.  But in
general my vision seemed more troublesome.  For example, I couldn't read
street signs as well or from as far away.  I will say this aspect has
improved since I've been treating for Sjogrens.
And I do think she said something about being congested in the sinus from
drainage from the eyes and the moisture not staying within the eye for
enough time (which is what the plugs are supposed to correct)

The plugs are supposed to help but I don't know if mine are successful yet
nor do I know if I will ever be able to return to contacts.  I have had the
plugs in for about 40 days and will follow up with my dr. on Friday to
review the current symptoms.
Making sure your body, in general, is not dehydrated is important.

2. It is best diagnosed by lip biopsy by a rheumatologist - A local is 
injected inside the lip, and a tiny bit of salivary gland excised.
You won't feel it, but it will be a bit sore, and you'll turn black and 
blue on the outside, for a few days.

3.  See a rheumatologist.  Lip biospy; tear and saliva volume testing and blood
work to check for the antibodies in your blood are how it is tested.

4.  The first indication for me was an ANA of 1:320 which
resulted in seeing a rheumatologist - ANA was repeated
and was 1:640 plus my cheeks/face is (and was)
swollen.  The biopsy of the salivary gland was
negative, but the doc thought that was due to catching
it early.  There is a medication - plaqunil
(spelling?) but as usual I was allergic.  Hope this
helps.

5.  I do not have CD, but my daughter does. I have Sjorgren's. It is very close 
to lupus. The things you might tell your dr about are shortness of breath, 
hair loss, extreme fatigue, joint pain, arthritis, dry eyes and mouth, mouth 
sores.. You might want to schedule an appt with a rheumatologist if you have 
these symptons. Lupus is more serious, and the dr will take a blood test and 
monitor you. But there are usually 12 question you will be asked. If a 
certain number apply to you, he will determine if you have lupus. Sjorgren's 
is usually just joint pain and dryness, so it is much easier to diagnose.

6.  
I have celiac and sjogren's. the symptoms I was having
with sjogrens was I had no saliva at all. I thought it
was weird I would get such a dry mouth I could'nt even
talk and when I chewed gum it would just dissenegrate.
Also I would not produce tears and they say that that
is primary sjogrens. I see a rheumtologist(sorry about
my spelling).  He put me on salagen that is supposed
to start making or producing saliva. 

*Support summarization of posts, reply to the SENDER not the CELIAC List*

ATOM RSS1 RSS2