Sjogren's syndrome

[Lesley_x]

I got diagnosed with this about 2 years ago. Unfortunately I'm only 22 though I actually took up cycling to combat the joint pain of sjogrens.

I use 2 different eyedrops. One is a gel for longer term use and one is a liquid drop for instant relief. I'm from the UK so this might not help but the gel is called Clinitas Hydrate/Geltears and the liquid drops are called Blink. Not ideal, but since I started using them (I was using nothing until that and really suffering, but nobody knew what to prescribe. Only going to a new optician got me on eyedrops) it has made my life a lot easier. It makes cycling really difficult as the wind dries out my eyes, even though I wear wrap around sunglasses.

For my mouth I use Biotene Oralbalance gel. But I so far have found dry mouth remedies to be pretty ineffective. The most effective thing is to carry water around all the time. It's a pain, but it makes life easier, particularly when eating.

It's good to get into a routine. I keep Biotene, water, eyedrops and a hand mirror beside my bed so I use them at night. I carry them all in my bag at all times. It sucks but you learn to cope.

It would be a good idea for her to maybe use a flouride mouthwash to prevent damage to her teeth?

Life is never going to be ideal with sjogren's but it really is about taking it a day at a time and not letting it drag you down.