I never thought I would say that I was looking forward to turning 30. I am ready for a new year though! The age of 29 has been quite a trying age and one that has definitely turned my hair a bit grayer! Let's just look back a bit to see the progressions. May 2011...hysterectomy. August 2011...diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. September 2011...start of methotrexate. December 2011...diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome. All of this for a person who usually only went to the doctor a couple of times a year.
The new part is Sjogren's (pronounced "show-grin") syndrome. Apparently autoimmune diseases like to trigger each other. The RA is attacking my joints and Sjogren's is attacking my moisture producing glands, specifically in my eyes and mouth.
Here's a quick summary of Sjogren's:
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease. A healthy immune system normally protects the body from harm, but in a person with an autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and cells. Sjögren’s syndromeaffects the salivary and lacrimal glands, which supply moisture to the eyes and mouth. It causes a reduction in the production of saliva and tears, leading to uncomfortable dryness in the mouth and eyes.
Called keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, dryness in the eyes caused by Sjögren’s syndrome is often described as the feeling of having sand in the eyes or a burning sensation. Some people with Sjögren’s syndrome have trouble with blurry vision or are bothered by bright or fluorescent lights.
Dry mouth, often casually referred to as cotton mouth, is called xerostomia. Dry mouth can make it difficult to taste, speak or swallow at times. It also can lead to dental cavities or mouth infections from lack of saliva.
Sjögren’s syndrome is classified as either primary or secondary. The secondary form is diagnosed in people who already have another autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythmatosus or rheumatoid arthritis. Sjögren’s syndrome cases are fairly equally divided between primary and secondary.
Because it is a systemic condition, Sjögren’s syndrome affects the entire body. It can also cause fatigue, dry skin, chronic dry cough and vaginal dryness. Some people with Sjögren’s syndrome will experience joint pain, stiffness and swelling or numbness and tingling in their extremities. Less common symptoms include rashes and inflammation of the lungs, kidneys or liver. Sjögren’s syndrome that manifests more than just moisture-producing glands is called extraglandular.
One of the most serious concerns facing people with Sjögren’s syndrome is an elevated risk of developing lymphoma, cancer involving the lymphatic system.
After having 3 opthalmalogist appointments in the last week and a half, they have decided to start a more aggressive treatment for my severely dry eyes. They have plugged my tear ducts with silicon plugs to hopefully preserve any tears I am actually producing. I have been using artificial tears many times a day to try to get some relief. After waking up this week with swollen eyelids everyday, it was time to go back and see what else we can do. At this point, I am going to be using steroid eye drops and some immunosuppressant eye drops called restasis. Hopefully this will prevent any further damage to my eyes.
The restasis can take up to 3 months to start working. It is fairly similar to the methotrexate in that they are both immunosuppressants. It is kind of unsettling being on 2 immunosuppressant medicines while have 2 children in daycare and working in a public school.
Prayers for patience and good health would be appreciated. Prayers for more good days than bad days would also be appreciated.
I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband. Without Tommy and his sweet caring nature, I'm not sure how I would say sound! Between the RA, Sjogren's, work, and family, I've been beyond exhausted! This last week, it wouldn't be a surprise to find me in bed by 8pm! I'm just tired and ready for some sunny days! I'm trying my best to not let this all get me down.
