Sjogren's Syndrome is often also diagnosed as Secondary Sjogren's Syndrome, there is no difference between the two at all, just the later of the two means that it is diagnosed along with a different disease, like Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. There are millions of people with Sjogren's Syndrome, 90% of them are women. Most people are diagnosed in their late 40's, but I was lucky and got it in my early to mid 30's. Sjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack it's own cells, mostly causing dryness issues from degeneration of the mucus-secreting glands, sometimes it can cause damage to internal organs (ie lungs, liver, kidneys etc).
The symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome
- Eye pain and redness (the eyes feel dry and sandy)
- Dry mouth
- Vaginal dryness
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Muscle aches
- Dry, cracked tongue
- Enlarged lymph glands
My rheumatologist was not the Dr who first suggested I may have Sjogren's, it was actually my Dentist who noticed some damage from dry mouth issues, severe receding gums or perioditis. I need to see a specialist called a Periodontist. Next it was my eye Dr who said my eyes were dry and I would need to start using eye drops. Then I got the official diagnoses from my Rheumatologist, but it never really felt important like oh yes that's Sjogren's it's common with RA. OK well what do I do, so through my own research and trial and error I am going to list specific products that have really helped me with my Sjogren's. These may not be what work best for everyone, but I feel these are a good starting ground.
Dry Eyes: systane eye drops, I also rarely use eye makeup as that can be drying.
Dry Mouth: Biotene mouth wash and mouth spray, I recommend getting both of these as you won't always be around your house and the spray is small enough to carry in a purse and easy to use. Other helpful things are hard candies, popsicles, and small sips of water often (sugar free candy and popsicles are best as we are more prone to cavities). Avoid caffeinated products they make it worse.
Dry Skin: Aveno lotion, for a razor I use schick intuition it has the shaving cream and lotion
surrounding like a deodorant head (also helpful for people with RA just takes out some extra steps and easy grip on handle), then after showering I usually try to air dry if not I blot never rub, this helps keep your skin lubricated and protects your skin from the damage rubbing can cause, dry skin from Sjogren's is more sensitive and this damage happens often without us feeling it. Then I use a spray on lotion I personally like Cantu shea butter, great coverage and no rubbing in with our sore hands. For face I use oil of olay, I used to use clinique which I also feel is a good one, but they changed the one I used to a gel and I just didn't like the feel as much.
Vaginal Dryness: Sensitive Adult Topic: I should have said this before, but I am an extremely sensitive fair skinned redhead. My best advice for this is have your partner spend more time with foreplay to get you really ready without pain. If you are dry it will hurt both of you. I mean who wouldn't like more attention and now you have a medical reason. If you need something more look for a water based/ water soluble lubricant. It is a very personal choice on where you buy the lubricant you choose and there are so many locations to choose from also so I'll leave that choice up to you.
I hope these can help someone else with Sjogren's. As always thank you for stopping by, I know how precious everyones time is and it means a lot that you would spend some of it here.
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