[Billylyne5]

Get dry eyes and joint pain due to their small fibre neuropathy?
I am trying to figure out if these symptoms are due to the SFN or if I need to look something else that is causing these symptoms.

[JoannaP79]

Originally Posted by Billylyne5

Get dry eyes and joint pain due to their small fibre neuropathy?
I am trying to figure out if these symptoms are due to the SFN or if I need to look something else that is causing these symptoms.

Hi billylyne,

Not dry eyes but lots of joint pain. I actually get really confused about what i feel these days as it all seems intertwined. Sorry if you have already mentioned it but have you had tests for sjorgens?

[en bloc]

Billy,

I know we have discussed Sjogren's with you before...and you are trying to look beyond since you have negative tests.

Just so you know, the small fibers of the peripheral nervous system, not only control pain, touch, and smell, but they also control/affect the autonomic nervous system. That autonomic system can cause changes in heart rate, BP, urinary and GI function, AND even the moisture producing glands in the mouth and eyes. So YES, you are correct in the SFN alone can cause the dry mouth and eyes.

The joint pain may be from another cause, like general arthritis or maybe changes in the moisture of the synovial fluid in the joint...causing more painful movement.

[Kitt]

It also happens when a person gets older.

[Billylyne5]

I have pursued the sjogrens but can't get anywhere with doctors I have access too, as I am only 44 I think the age thing shouldn't be causing too much trouble yet 😳
I still think it's sjogrens but just trying to see if anything else might be in the picture as a cause for the SFN, it's very frustrating especially as the neurologist has given up looking for a cause and the rheumatologist isn't interested without blood tests showing something.
So I am apparently a picture of health, perfect bloods, perfect weight, never smoked, don't drink etc etc yet feel like crap

Oh well I guess I just have to keep taking the tablets and keep moaning to the doctor until she decides to repeat some of the blood tests. 😏

[caroline2]

Cleaning up diet is critical, REDUCE carbs/sugar big time. Wheats/grains too.

Veggies/moderate protein and good fats and CLEAN water...

[bluesfan]

Hi Billylyne5
What you have sounds like it may be Sicca Syndrome - like you, I was tested for Sjogren's - negative blood work but have physical symptoms. If your doctor refuses to give you the Sjogren's diagnosis she should at least be considering Sicca. This is what I have on my records now.

Here's a website explaining the difference (and similarities) between the two:

http://info.sjogrens.org/conquering-...Sicca-Syndrome

All the best with getting answers.

[LMPinkereton]

Just like Billylyne5, I have almost all the symptoms of Sjogren's and I am miserable.
My primary care doctor sent me to a rheumatologist early this Spring who did $3000+ of blood work. And then he did some more blood work. The tests for Sjogren's was "borderline", so he said he can't treat me for Sjogren's. Is the test for Sjogren's black and white, positive or negative, or should they be considering the whole picture.

By the way, the rheumatologist said there were several other things in my blood work that were "slightly off", but not enough off to do anything about it.

My eye doctor told me just to put in eye drops 6 times a day. That doesn't help at all.

Yes, I had the skin punch test for SFN and I do have Idiopathic SFN. And I have Graves Disease.

I guess what I am really getting at is what is a person to do when he can't get any help or relief? I do not seem to be able to communicate to the doctors how really bad I feel and how debilitating all this is. After years of trying to get help with all this, I have just recently decided to give up and just try the best I can to get through the days.