So, is there a difference? When my sleep doc told me I may have Sicca Syndrome, I had never heard of it. When I researched it online, not much is said about Sicca, and often refers back to Sjogrens. I found this:

http://palm.skynetmd.com/skymain_sea...lm&li=palm&v=2


Quote:
If the person has symptoms suggestive of Sjogren's, such as excessive dryness of the eyes and mouth, thirst, gritty sensation in the eyes, red injected eyes, mouth sores, abnormal taste, cavities, recurrent nosebleeds, cough, hoarseness, swelling in front of the ears (parotid enlargement), arthritis like symptoms.

I have a mouth full of fillings, and now, broken teeth. I have been diagnosed with dry eyes, although my boss, also my optometrist, says it's hormonal or allergies, so I use Refresh or Systane Ultra every day. The gritty sensation in my eyes is a daily occurance. The dry throat started last year, and now that I have a CPAP machine, I am finding the dryness much worse, with my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth every morning, waking throughout the night needing a drink. Years ago, my voice changed to the deep, raspy voice I have now. I spend most of one summer with no voice at all. Dry nasal passages is a daily occurance too.

Is this something you develop, or are you possibly born with it? All of my problems stem from my celiac/gluten intolerance, that I know. My carpal tunnel was diagnosed before I was gluten free, Raynauds hit me years ago, aching joints, trouble swallowing certain foods, etc.

Yesterday, the doc I work for asked me about my neuro visit. When I mentioned Sicca Syndrome, I could tell he wasn't sure what I was talking about, so I gave him the connection to Sjogrens. He walked away, then came back in a bit and asked, "Can you eat 3 crackers?" By this time, I wasn't thinking ab out our talk earlier and I just gave him a look and said, "I can't eat crackers, I'm celiac, remember?" "Well, if you can eat 3 crackers, then you don't have Sjogrens." Now that's a diagnosis if ever I heard one!!! Much cheaper than lab work and such!!!!

I am going Friday for more blood tests. Any info any of you can give me is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.