I had my visit with the rheumatologist today. She gave me the following tests:

HIV AB, HIV 1/2, EIA, with reflexes
Complement Component C4C
Complement Component C3C
Immunoglobulins A/E/G/M
Vitamin A
Angiotensin Converting Enzymes (ACE)

She said that before considering the lip biopsy, let us see the results of the tests first. She looked briefly inside my mouth, particularly under the tongue and said that mouth is dry. It used to that my mouth is not dry. I only noticed it recently. Not only my mouth now is dry but I think even my nostrils and throat. Since the neurologist talked about the option of seeing a psychiatrist, I am wondering if my nostrils and throat dryness may have been "created" by my mind But, somehow, the comment of the rheumy about my dry mouth assured me that its not. I am pretty sure, though, my bloodworks are negative, there is something happening in my body - it shows something in my lungs. Something is causing the progression of the nodules. How I wish my doctors could find it very soon. I am tired and frustrated of the never-ending trips to doctors, blood extractions, procedures. But, this will all pass, sooner or later.

en bloc, is it really difficult to swallow food when your throat is dry? I notice that the bread, even when well chewed, gets somehow stuck in my throat (not inside the throat but I think its right in the opening, where the tongue ends). I need to swallow several times and drink before it gets down.

The doctor recommended to use Biotin oral care.