Sjogrens Symptoms?

I posted this in the Autoimmune forum, but no one answered, so I thought I'd post it here. My doctor wants to test me for Sjogren's Syndrome because my Ophthalmologist diagnosed me with Corneal Erosion Syndrome and I have to chew gum all of the time to keep my mouth wet (but I do know some of my gum chewing is habitual). I also have to put lip balm on before bed as well as keep a glass of water near my bedside every night because my throat gets really dry. Plus I always have slightly swollen glands under my jaw, degenerative disc disease, OA, spinal nerve damage, FMS, irritable bladder and sciatica...etc. I am not sure that I have it because almost every time I get tested for something it comes up negative. I was just curious though if I seem to have the symptoms based on what you all know?

[TrudieC]

You do have many of the symptoms.  I do too (diagnosed with severely dry eyes) and have many of the same issues as you but I came up negative when tested.  Lupus and RA can also cause this so getting a good blood work up to rule out all these things would be good.  Good luck with the tests Dusty.

[carolanivey]

I have RA and also mild Sjogren's which seems to flare up every time we move to a new area. The last move, four years ago, was horrendous on my eye dryness, and I ended up on Restasis for about a year and could only wear my contact lenses for short periods.

It seemed to settled down once we'd been living here a while, however I still do many of the things you list! In addition, I find it very helpful to keep a steam humidifier in my bedroom at night. It really helps alleviate the dryness in my mouth and throat (I must be a mouth breather when I sleep!) Also, before I go to bed I use a cotton swab to apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly up inside my nose. This has been a huge help in preventing dryness-related nosebleeds.

I also keep sugar-free hard candy on hand, recommended by my dentist because chronic mouth dryness can lead to tooth decay. Sugar free gum helps, too - anything to generate extra moisture in your mouth.

Hang in there!

[dustybrown]

I have a lot of nasal sores and dryness there too. What helps me with that is I use a Q-Tip and dip it into a canister of Bag Balm and line my nasal passageway with that. I know it sounds crazy, but it really does help. You can find it at most drug stores.  

[TrudieC]

I'm a lover of vicks or mentholatum in my nose - the smell just relaxes me - must be taking back to childhood memories.

[carolanivey]

I've put Vick's under my nose, but not in it. Doesn't it burn? :) I also rub it on the soles of my feet and wear socks to bed when I have a cold. I don't know why it works, but it does!

I use essential oils of eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon and thyme in the medicine cup of my warm-steam humidifier at night. Especially if someone has sniffles or a cough. Smells like a hall's cough drop and it works like a charm. :)

[TrudieC]

Nope, doesn't burn - I use mentholatum which is a bit milder.  I love eucalyptus.  I find it really helps my migraines too.  I found a product at a health food store called Japanese oil which has a lot of eucalyptus in it and some heat and I put a bit under my nose and on my pressure points of my face and rub inton my neck.