I'm new to this site and all I can gather is that there is not much that can be done for SICCA/Sjogren's.
I started with dry mouth about 5 years back, hardly noticed at first, then day time occasionally, then night, now day in day out without cease. Polythylene Oxide Lozenges give some relief - just suck them for ever, even overnight; they make the mouth slimy.
Mid 2008 got up one day with eyes out of a horror movie, have seen doctors, ophthalmic people and a specialist, but basically they put it all down to SICCA and look lost.... and pessimistic. My General Practiitioner has tried to be reassuiring, saying he now understands why I have seemed to complain so much about my rheumatoid arthritis despite my ridiculously healthy lifetsyle. Had a test by a German narturopath. who measured my secretory IgA, produced by mucus memranes and essential to the immune system at 279 compared with a normal range of 510-2040, but I've no idea what that really means, except it is clearly low.
I know this leads on to lung and kidney problems. in other words, its bad news. worse news is that as far as research is concerned it seems off the radar. Does anyone know wher this leads to?
Incidentally Biotene for me does very little, gives a few minutes relief but that's it.
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Originally Posted by dahlek
I take it he's kind of a 'know it all'? But, not really much of anything......
I hope you can find an active Sjorgen's group, I KNOW there is one out there and I know from reading Silverlady's experiences and having met in my neighborhood one so afflicted that it's miserable stuff. I truly do hope that isn't YOUR case tho. 
Upon Silverlady's suggestions [Billye] Ive been using the Biotene Oral Balance LIQUID..more like a lotion/glop stuff. I keep a bottle of the spray next to my bed for the wake-up-in-the-nite with GLUE mouth situations tho.... It has helped keep my teeth healthier I think... My cavitiy and crown costs have dropped DRAMATICALLY due to this stuff. I mention it to the dental techs and they always go 'We always tell everyone about it!' HUH? Not one dental person has ever told me to use this stuff...ever. DUH.
Know too that the meds we take can do a number on our teeth. Pain meds and Neurotin, Lyrica or other seizure and anti-depressants do sap a lot of that calcium from you! Not to mention that your body isn't running on all four cylinders well anyhow? Mrs D's advice about taking calciums with Vit D, and Magnesiums are really key to keeping the tooth drill at bay.
Welcome to supplement CITY!
As for this being genetic? There isn't a lot of research done w/all of this, just as there's not been with a heap of neuropathy issues. Unless it's clearly diabetic, stroke or cancer induced there isn't a heap of research going on, nor will there be - those squeaky wheels get the grease. We benefit as an afterthought.
As for cheaper than testing? Again, DUH? And also WHA? Wouldn't testing be cheaper than a lifetime of inadequate meds and the side-effects they bring?
Maybe I can win the BIG lottery and make a difference - one can always hope. Hugs and hope to you good person! - j |