Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group

I'm not sure if my story is similar to others or a stand-alone. But, ...

I was 22 and just finished my 1st semester in pharmacy school. I woke up one morning and felt a swollen lymph node on the side of my neck, about the size of a golf ball. I figured infection, so went to a walk-in Urgent Care. By the time I saw the doctor 2 hours later, I could barely speak and my entire side of my face was swollen; it was swollen so much that my eye was closed shut. I was given steroids and antibiotics, and sent on my way.

Within a week of coming off the steroids, my glands would shoot right back out of my face. This went on for 5 months when I was sent to a ENT specialist; they performed a sialography, showed damaged in both glands, and diagnosed with an autoimmune problem, ole Sjogren's Syndrome.

Within 3 months of this, I began to experience joint pain in my wrists. Few months later, left knee, then right. Since last summer, I now suffer from awful joint pain in both ankles,knees, elbows, wrists, and recently.... we added the small bones of the hands.

With regards to the joint pain, still trying to determine if it's Sjogren's-related, maybe RA, or something else entirely.

With regards to the Sjogren's/gland part, it's become much more managable. I haven't experienced any eye problems, only the mouth symptoms. I have chronic dry mouth (always thirsty!), occassional mouth sores.... sometimes in my nose, and both parotids remain slightly swollen/hard all the time. I can't use any of the cholinergic medications for the dryness... bad adverse effects. But, there are plenty of options and research being discovered all the time.

Good luck with everything. I heard once the autoimmune diseases come in packs of "3"s. Maybe Sjogren's will be like icing on a cake.

I hope it is the icing on the cake! LOL
Very interesting. I have been having lately a pain right below my ear on my face. Is this were the parotid gland is? Ey! I have the pain in my wrists, elbows, knees, feet. Thanks for telling me your story. I am a little scared and wondering what I am up against. : )