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Possible Sjogren's

I'm currently seeing a Rheumatologist for a possible autoimmune problem. My doctor just prescribed me Cymbalta for my joint and muscle pain and also to possibly help with fatigue. I know that most drugs like this have to be weaned off of once they are stopped, so I'm not sure if I should start on it. My doctor said if my salivary biopsy comes back positive she would start me on Plaquenil and wean me off the Cymbalta. So I'm basically taking this just to mask the symptoms I have so that I can function until they figure out what is actually wrong. Do the changes these drugs make to your brain chemicals revert back? I just don't want to possibly start a drug that I might not need long term and then not be able to come off of it.

I also was wondering if anyone was aware of how or more specifically when Sjogren's symptoms tend to show up. I've noticed that the severity of my symptoms directly correlate with my menstrual cycle, including the joint pain. In fact, I currently have very little joint pain because of where I am in my cycle and I know exactly when it will start again. Is this common with Sjogren's or autoimmune disorders in general? My doctor said her other patients don't have this cycle-symptom correlation and she thought it was odd?
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Avatar universal
I am newly diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome.  I got to the point in 2001, that I could not have a bowel movement without colonics or an enema.  I was healthy, but couldn't poop.  I went to MANY GI doctors and surgeons to get help. They ALL said that I needed my colon taken out. Without a real answer to this problem, I had the surgery. Eleven feet (normal colon 4-5 feet) of stretched out redundant colon was removed. I spent 22 days in the hospital. It was aweful! I lost 18 pounds. Years later, now, I have the answer: Sjogren's syndrome.  My sister uses Amitiza to bring fluid into her colon. I'm sure there are other things that can help. I now take Cymbalta for my stomach problems and it helps tremendously (IBS, PAIN etc). I hope this helps to provide a direction and I hope you aren't as bad as I was.

Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

Hi!
Sudden onset constipation can start with a change in diet. If you take too many fibers and probiotics but not enough fluids, then you can get constipation. Diverticular diseases of the colon, colonic cancer and IBS are the other causes which can cause sudden onset constipation. Hemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures can also be the cause.  Do discuss this with your doctor and get yourself examined. Take care!
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Avatar universal
Thanks for responding Doctor. I have been checked for all of those things you listed, all negative. Fibromyalgia and CFS were ruled out by my doctor because of my chronically elevated Sed rate. I also have had problems in the last 4 months with sudden, very severe constipation. (No bowel movements at all without laxative use) Do you know of any ailments that cause sudden severe onset of constipation that I could mention to my doctor, thanks. Oh and I have started taking probiotics, digestive supplements and have been instructed to use a mild daily laxative. Not much has changed since starting this regimen.
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
If you have joint and muscle pain that is cyclical with your menstrual cycle, then this can be a severe variety of premenstrual tension. You need to get FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone levels checked. The other possibility is that the symptoms are due to diabetes, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, all of which can be cyclical. Rheumatoid arthritis too can get aggravated close to menstrual cycle. I suggest you discuss these possibilities with your doctor.  Take care!
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