You may want to google 'sicca'. Altho Sicca and Sjogren's are coded identically, they are NOT the same thing. Sicca can have a multitude of causes. Medications are probably the first thing to look at.....if not that, then you can have the ANA done. It is not unusual to find Sicca with neuropathy.

I take Evoxac for "sicca syndrome" and it works well. There are no side effects that i am aware of.

Thanks Aintnosunshine, cyclelops and mere,

I have googled sicca and ANA. I see a neuroligist in July so maybe he will order an ANA test to be done.

On the bright side when I cry now, I will be crying crocodile tears, funny I used to tell my kids that when they were little and now I am for sure.

I always thought that a funny expression... I had my Evoxac refilled yesterday and I was astounded at the price without insurance. I have insurance and fortunately my copay is only $35 for this med. but without insurance is is $300 for 90 caps. Ridiculous but it does work well.

I don't have antibodies for Sjogrens but do have the symptoms including small fiber and autonomic neuropathy among other rheumatological and autoimmune issues. Not sure if you can be seronegative for Sjogrens but my rheumy and neurologist want me to bring this up with the Neurologist I will be seeing that specializes in peripheral and autonomic neuropathy.

It is ridiculous what we have to pay to get some pain relief, what with prescription medication as well as vitamins it all adds up, I think you guys pay more than we do.

I hoping I get tested for everything as I feel I also have autonomic neuropathy. I am looking forward to the 5th of July when I see the neurologist, I hope he is nice, I have already been told not to be late, so I will be there at the crack of dawn.

Good luck Lesley with your appointment July 5th. Let us know the outcome...

Mere

--is actually quite common; a lot of people who are clinically diagnosed with it don't always show the "distinctive" autoantibodies, especially in the early part of the disease:

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/antib...n.html#sjogren

Hi Lesley
I am a contact lense wearer and have to wear a high water content brand as I too have dry eyes.
Also 5th July is d-day for me too, my neurologist has seen me once and has been on maternity leave for 18mths but I now have an appointment for this date - I shall be thinking of you on that day and hopefully we will both get some answers/help.
Best Wishes
Arlene
PS What is the significance with the elephants? - they are my fav animal after a trip to Malawi in Africa - seeing them in the wild is one of the highlights of my life.