Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group

Hello I am a member of MDJ's RA support group and am hopping over here to ask a few questions about Sjogren's. I was recently diagnosed with RA and have read that it's very common for those with RA to develop Sjogren's.

I'm really not quite sure of the exact symptoms of Sjogren's but I'm suspecting I may have it. For years I've been loosing teeth at a rate of about 1 tooth every other year. My mouth is disaster zone, I don't have many back teeth left. My dentist asked me on my last visit if I am taking any medications that are drying out my mouth because I am getting cavities in places where it's not usual for a cavity to form. I've had several teeth crack and chip/splinter. I have two teeth on my right side that are in such bad shape I know I'm going to loose them soon.

I cannot brush my teeth with regular tooth past at night because it seems to dry my mouth out so bad. I'll spend the rest of the night with cottonmouth. I've tried biotene toothpaste but it just doesn't feel like it's getting my teeth as clean as regular tooth paste.

I don't think I have a very dry mouth but I go through bouts of extreme thirst. It usually happens in the evening and it comes on very fast and the thirst is intense. I cannot get enough to drink during these episodes and I usually end up so full of gatorade that I then feel sick because I'm so full. Gatorade seems to be the only thing that quenches this thirst. I can't drink water to much because after so much of it it makes me nauseated. These episodes create some anxiety because the thirst is so intense, I feel desperate and very stressed out by it. I won't leave the house now without my gatorade.

Diabetes runs in my family and I know that can cause extreme thirst but I've been tested for it so many times during my lifetime and the test results are always normal.

I also cannot live without my chapstick. Everyone who knows me knows that I'll have chapstick at home, in my car, in my purse and always in my pocket. It's been like this for years but I didn't make the connection between needing my lips to feel moisturized and this problem with thirst until very recently.

I don't want to mention this to my rheumatologist because I'm just not sure this could be Sjogren's. So I thought I could ask actual Sjogren's patients first. I don't know if I'm really far off with my thinking that this could be Sjogren's and would appreciate any feedback. Does it sound like I have good reason for my suspicions? Or am I way off the mark?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

From what I know RA and Sjogren's together is common but I do not have RA. I have joint problems but they seem to be related to Raynauds as it mostly affects my hands and feet.

Brushing your teeth longer and properly might help you. I recently purchased a waterpik because food always gets stuck to my teeth and its because of the lack of saliva. Biotene has enzymes that we need. I also use the mouthwash just before bed.

Water is essential for everyone especially Sjogren's patients. Gatorade is mainly sugar and sugar coats your teeth.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/63889-bad-gatorade- ingredients/

If water is making you nauseated you might be drinking too much at a time.There is nothing in water to make anyone nauseated. It keeps us hydrated and flushes out our system.

Have you read the forums here in the Sjogren's group? Sjogren's dries out the eyes, nose, mouth and your GI tract.

My hands are sore lately making it hard for me to type but if you have the time read the forums and you'll find all the info you need to know about Sjogren's.

Your rhumy can have you tested for sjogrens. Dont ever be afraid to talk to your doctors. Write down all your symtoms because it will help you when you talk with your doctors. My doctor heard me complain for many yrs about my symtoms and never put it together until it got worse for me. When I spoke my mouth suddenly had extreme dry mouth my lips and throat felt like I just swallowed cotton. It was horrible! So please ask your rhymmy to help you its what he get paid for. :o) I put a little regular toothpaste and biotene together so it feels more like its cleaning them. If you hear about chia seeds they can help with more moister to your drinks. I love it because it also helps with inflamation! :o)