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Date: 01.08.2014
From: Mgt

Subject: Sjorgen's syndrom

Hi all. I've been on MTX for a few years now and doing good. Now ive been told ive got sjorgens syndrom. My mouth is really dry and my eyes a bit gritty. Has anyone else got this and how do you treat it? Thanks for any advice
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Date: 01.08.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Sjorgen's syndrom

I'm not sure if it's the mtx or the RA that causes it but I waken up often with a very dry mouth and sometimes my eyes feel a bit dry and gritty. You can get drops for your eyes from the rheumatologist or your doctor. I often eat an orange when I waken as water doesn't seem help, although it can aggravate the arthritis.
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Date: 01.08.2014
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Sjorgen's syndrom

hi Mgt , most of Sjorgen's syndrom goes with RA & they are happy to give out the eye drops , some drugs can cause dry eyes like sulpha but dont think Mtx does ,
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Date: 01.08.2014
From: Mgt

Subject: Re: Sjorgen's syndrom

Thanks Colin you are so informed! What should I ask for? Can you by from the chemist?
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Date: 01.08.2014
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Sjorgen's syndrom

http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/hypromellose-eye-drops

you should get it on prescription , I also have Viscotears Gel on prescription to use at night time , cant help much with dry mouth
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Date: 02.08.2014
From: Mgt

Subject: Re: Sjorgen's syndrom

Hi Colin. Just been to chemist and got the hypomell eye drops. Also got a pastil for my dry mouth. Cost me over £8 so I hope they work!!! Ta again
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Date: 04.08.2014
From: Eve

Subject: Re: Sjorgen's syndrom

I have sicca syndrome with my RA which is pretty much Sjogrens without the antibodies. I ende up getting blurred vision as my eyes were so dry and episcleritis.

Have they prescribed anything for it such as hydroxychloroquine?

I have eyedrops on prescription, originally Celluvisc but now Hyloforte (easier to carry about than lots of individual drops) and I have pilocarpine which has made an amazing difference to my dry mouth and eyes too - more of a specialist prescription that though so ask your rhumatologist. I tried to the pastilles but they didn't help much, the relief was very temporary and difficult if you need to talk when taking them (eg if working on phone).

I also have Lacrilube ointment to use before I go to bed.

One tip though, if you get your eyes tested, make sure they are properly lubricated with drops first. I got really confused with differing prescriptions for my glasses (had to stop contacts as eyes too dry) until one optician said the dryness could cause different results so to make sure I have eyedrops put in every time before I get my eyes tested.

I am currently addicted to fruit iced lollies which help as a quick fix and one of the best things I have found to rehydrate me at the moment, especially in this weather is the orange refresher from Starbucks, pricy but only £2 for a tall one after 2pm with a treat receipt if you buy a drink before 11am I think - I get one with my on the way to work coffee.
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Date: 04.08.2014
From: Mgt

Subject: Re: Sjorgen's syndrom

Thanks very much Eve. You have as much info as colin!!! The eye drops I got from chemist are not bad just fiddly to put in your eye. The pastills are rubbish- waste of money. Will try your Starbucks suggestion x
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