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General health

Sjogrens/anxiety

9 replies

ineedacupoftea · 24/05/2022 11:36

Hello
i have been suffering with really sore dry eyes - this has been a long term thing that usually only bothers me intermittently (I have been told I have blepharitis, and an insufficient tear film) but since the weekend they are always sore, and I have had a constantly dry mouth too (last week I had an intermittent dry mouth and I haven’t suffered previously).
I am concerned about Sjogrens, and the worry is causing my health anxiety to flare up.
These symptoms came on after I had already been anxious about pinprick red dots on my arms (which apparently are fairly common and most people ignore them according to another thread!) and an aching shoulder that had me convinced I had something serious.
I am aware of my anxieties but the symptoms are very real and because they are constant I don’t get any respite from the worry.

I don’t really know what I am asking really- has anyone experienced similar and had it not be sjogrens?
any tips for managing sore eyes and a horribly dry mouth?
I am due to talk to my GP tomorrow but am aware that having lots of tests last year added to my anxiety, so I am hoping the symptoms can be explained by anxiety.

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Dilbertian · 24/05/2022 12:26

The dry mouth could be a stress reaction because the dry eyes are worrying you. Perhaps easing the discomfort of one will help ease the other?

Why not try artificial tear drops? I can't remember what they're called, but the pharmacist can advise.

I have dry eyes according to the optician and when they bother me too much I get out the artificial tears. They come in tiny single-use drippers, so if I'm having a dryness episode I keep a few in my bag. They are very soothing.

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Dilbertian · 24/05/2022 12:33

BTW AFAIK I don't have Sjogrens. Dry eyes, allergies and other auto-immune conditions but not Sjogrens.

You're at DEFCON-1 and have therefore gone for the most catastrophic and most unlikely option. Other more likely options to consider could be, in no particular order, mild hayfever, air conditioning, or just an episode of dry eyes. Be kind to yourself.

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ineedacupoftea · 24/05/2022 12:49

Thank you @Dilbertian , that’s kind. I think if it was just dry eyes or just dry mouth I would be less anxious.
My eyes are burning today, despite using lots of hycosan drops all yesterday and today. I have bought a heated eye mask and some overnight ointment to try too.

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Pixiedust1234 · 24/05/2022 13:09

Going to ask a possibly stupid question here. Have you tried hayfever tablets? Those are the main reactions to pollen and many people are suffering this year.

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PearlclutchersInc · 24/05/2022 13:15

I have Sjogrens - all of those symptoms come with the territory, dry eyes, mouth etc. Your shoulder may be inflammation related (also part of the Sjogren's territory).

All, pains, literally and metaphorically but you're not going to die. The GP can give you a script for eyedrops if you're on benefits, or you can buy the drops of choice. There's not a lot they can do about a dry mouth so make sure you practice good oral hygiene. Yhe GP is probably a good shout for your shoulder/joint aches but might just suggest iboprofen.

Hope that helps re-assure you a bit.

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MassiveSalad22 · 24/05/2022 13:23

Hmm I am currently waiting for a lip biopsy to rule out/in sjogrens. When I saw the rheumatologist, he said that being hypermobile can lead to anxiety because your nerves are literally loose in your body and so hyper sensitive. Blew my mind!!! (I was on meds for anxiety at the time (came off them due to pregnancy)). Anyway. Not really related to sjogrens sorry, just totally amazed me! Makes sense though I guess.

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CatSpeakForDummies · 24/05/2022 13:33

I have Sjogren's and it's really not a big deal, it's also made worse when I have to take antihistamines for hay fever - are you doing that?

Even if it was, you are doing everything you can, maybe minimise screen time where possible. It might be worth reducing caffeine, for both anxiety and the dry-ness.

None of this is worth the time and energy you are giving it, without the anxiety you would take red pinpricks, shoulder ache and dry eyes in your stride. You really need to focus the GP appointment on your anxiety. Good luck.

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HumourReplacementTherapy · 24/05/2022 13:55

How old are you?
It's a very common symptom of peri meno.

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ineedacupoftea · 24/05/2022 14:04

I’m 43. I did wonder if it could be peri menopause related - I do get a lot
of night sweats. My periods are not regular but not that irregular - they’ve ranged from 22-35 days over the last few months.

Thank you to those with Sjogrens who have shared their advice, I’m really grateful.
At the moment I dread the idea of having this dry mouth and sore eyes for ever, but I guess if it is Sjogrens I will find things that help a little bit, and will cope.

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