Hi ladies,

It's me again; complaining as usual. Everything seems to hurt these days; my heels and knee (i had tkr in October) and it still hurts, stomach, joints, etc. I still have the IBS and dry mouth. Despite all the negative testing I have had in regards to Sjogrens Syndrome, I honestly believe I have it!! I am so tired of being told to lose weight or eat right and everything will heal. My digestive problems aren't as bad but it is so bad when I am humped over trying to walk throughout the day because everything hurts.. Even my wrists hurt. I cannot believe that this is peri. I am supposed to have a rheumatologist appointment in April and I am going to ask for Plaquenil. My rheumatologist told me last year that she thought I did have mild Sjogrens but she still did not give me the Plaquenil like I had asked her to. Has anybody had any experience with Plaquenil? I see on autoimmune boards where some of the patients use it and for the most part like it. I guess I am posting this to everyone that has or is using it. Thanks again everyone.

Sherri

Hi Sherri,

I've often though I had this due to dry eyes, hard to swallow etc... I've never been tested as it's not too uncomfortable but one thing you may want to try is to rid your diet of wheat and gluten products. Seriously, this took all my aches away and within 3 days I noticed a big difference. The initial 3 days were difficult trying to find something to eat but after seeing the difference in the way I felt it has become easy.

I'm going to be out of town (and offf the computer) for a few days but if you want some suggestions, feel free to pm me and I'll post once I get back.

Hope you feel better,

Sherri,

I understand I have been told I have an autoimmune disease. It started out as massive hives and has worked its way through physical and mental exhaustion and often severe joint and muscle pain. My doctor thought it might be Sjogren's because I have dry eyes and mouth but on the last visit he said with all the medications I am on those symptoms could be the end result of the medications. I am on medication for dry eyes and I am on Plaquenil it has taken a few months to quick in but I was finally able to get of prednisone which I was on for about 9 mos. I still ache and have joint pain not as bad as before but it is still here. I have had blood tests that show something is going on but I have had NO definitive blood test that say yes this is what the problem is. The only test that gave and answer was a positive biopsy for Vasculitis in my skin and that is what I am being treated for. Along the way I was discovered to have severe food allergies and off the chart environmental allergies all this my personal doctor believes was set off my Meno. I found the best thing is to take it one day at a time; I know it is hard and sometimes I want to howl at the moon. Answers are not easy they never are.

Good Luck

Jan