Sojgren's Syndrome

[patient1973]

I was diagnosed with Sojgren's Syndrome more then ten years ago, however the symptoms were so light that I didn't need to worry too much about it then. Now I am 35 years old and about 4 and a half months ago I started with neck pain. All the doctors I saw thought it was nothing however I new something was wrong. I finally was able to get my family doctor to refer me to a rheumatologist who also thought I had nothing that it was something uscular. I insisted to my doctor to let me have an MRI done and of course there was my answer. The diagnosis was as follows:
Multilevel spondylotic and discogenic changes (C3-C4; C4-C5; C5-C6; and C6-C7), most prominent at C5-C6 causing moderate central canal stenosis, greater on the right, and severe right neuroforaminal stenosis. No definite myelpathy at this time.
In other words, I have arthritis at the neck. My doctor has refered me to a neuro surgeon. However there are many other symptoms that I have that make me believe that there is something more to this. As I said before I was diagnosed with sjogren's syndrome and I know that arthritis can be caused by this syndrome. Other symtoms that I have are extreme fatigue and feel like all my bones ache in the morning and also stifness. I do think that I need a more complete check up so that I can have a diagnosis of what I have and to rule out any other posibilities (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, MS, etc). I will go and se the neuro surgeon and see if I will require surgery for this.
My questions is would you think I should see a specialist on sjogren's syndrome or should I ask for more tests and exames?

Thank you in advance for your help!

[EGIZERB05]

I have SLE and today for the first time SSA Sjogren was positive. I have had a rash hives on and off. What is the difference between SSA and SSB titers? I was also recently diagnosised with Asthma. I just don't understand a lot about Sjogren's looking for some help.
Thanks

[cjruz]

its parasites

[AireScottie]

A specialist in Sjogren's generally should be a rheumatologist or immunologist, so I don't think you'll need both.  A dentist or ENT might specialize in Sjogren's, but that just means they're familiar with the way Sjogren's affects their specialty (more cavities, parotid gland swelling).  I just meant you might do better with a rheumatologist who lists Sjogren's as a specific specialization or interest.  Talk to your primary care doctor about the DEXA scan.  They should have a better idea whether you need to be concerned about bone density or not.  To ask a doctor a question, scroll up to the top of this page, click on Forums, then look at the right side column.  Those are all the Expert areas.  The Autoimmune Expert forum is only open at certain times, which will be announced on the regular Autoimmune forum.

[patient1973]

Thank you all for your comments! I will definately see both a specialist on the syndrome and a rheumatologist. I have never had a DEXA scan do you think I should get one?
One question I'm new to the site, how can I get a doctor to answer my question?
Thanks again!

[AireScottie]

From my own experience, I would say find a Sjogren's specialist, because many rheumatologists seem to think Sjogren's is just dry eyes and mouth.  I have Sjogren's that took at least 13.5 years to diagnose, and in my case it destroyed part of my nervous system.  I also have the extreme fatigue and bad joint pain.  I started Plaquenil almost four months ago now, and it's starting to make a difference with the fatigue and joint pain.  Some days are almost pain and fatigue free, and then, wham-o, it's back.  Even if you see someone specializing in Sjogren's, I would expect that doctor to test to rule out other autoimmune diseases.  I have heard that Sjogren's can cause joint pain, but not actual joint degeneration, so you may have something like rheumatoid happening as well.  Have you had a DEXA scan to check bone density in your entire body?

[kjelltp]

Take a look at www.ldninfo.org.  That is not some hoax, thousands of ppl get relief from AI problems on it.   Yahoo has a group for it as well.

[PlateletGal]

I would consider seeing both. The only thing I can tell you is that with Sjogren's Syndrome, it is possible for the disease to attack other body organs. It may attack the kidney, intestine, stomach, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, brain, and nerves.