Autoimmune disease is at the root of many chronic health conditions. If deep testing is not done, you may continue suffering needlessly.
The Clinical Features of Painful Small‐Fiber Neuropathy Suggesting an Origin Linked to Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Small fiber neuropathy is a condition characterized by severe pain attacks that typically begin in the feet or hands. Some people initially experience a more generalized, whole-body pain. The attacks usually consist of pain described as stabbing or burning, or abnormal skin sensations such as tingling or itchiness. In some individuals, the pain is more severe during times of rest or at night. NIH Objective Researchers attempted to determine whether clinical features could tell the difference between painful small‐fiber neuropathy (SFN) related to primary Sjogren's syndrome from idiopathic SFN. Idiopathic means that no specific cause can be identified. Methods They conducted questionnaires and neuro-physiological examinations specific for pain and SFN assessment on 25 patients with pSS‐SFN and 25 patients with idiopathic SFN. Results Patients with idio‐SFN had more frequent severe burning sensations and higher mean anxiety scores and daily pain intensity compared to patients with pSS SFN. Conversely, patients with pSS‐SFN had reduced electrochemical skin conductance measured by Sudoscan, and almost half of them had the sensation of walking on cotton wool. Conclusion The results suggest that: idiopathic‐SFN involved more small sensory fibers than pSS‐SFN subtle dysfunction of larger sensory fibers and damage of distal autonomic sudomotor innervation may occur in pSS‐SFN. A practical algorithm is proposed to help to differentiate SFN associated with pSS from idio‐SFN, based on information very easy to obtain by clinical interview. SOURCE
Sjogren's syndrome is a member of the autoimmune group of diseases.
Myositis, an autoimmune disease, involves autoantibodies targeted against skeletal muscles. Learn more about myositis and autoantibodies.
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Causes of chronic Inflammation range from what we eat, to the fat in our own bodies, to our body's reaction to stress.
Five words that still echo in her head.
Fatigue is one of the most difficult symptoms in Sjögren`s syndrome (SS) to manage. It is also one of the most common symptoms reported in SS, but what leads to that fatigue is not fully understood. A U.K. study found that factors that associated with high levels of fatigue among patients with Sjogren's syndrome included pain, depression, and - unexpectedly - low levels of two proinflammatory cytokines. Proinflammatory cytokines are cytokines that promote systemic inflammation. "This suggests that measures of disease activity in primary Sjogren's syndrome appear to be less important than cytokines, depression, and pain in accurately predicting fatigue levels," the researchers observed. Conclusions: Cytokines, pain and depression appear to be the most powerful predictors of fatigue in Sjogren's Syndrome. The research data challenged the idea that proinflammatory cytokines directly cause fatigue in chronic immune conditions. "Instead, we hypothesise that mechanisms regulating inflammatory responses may be important." Fatigue in primary Sjogren's syndrome is associated with lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Published in BMJ Journals on 19 July 2016 Fatigue and Sjogren's Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions What does Sjogren's fatigue feel like? Think about the last time you had a really bad flu and your muscles felt weak and you could not even lift your head up off the pillow. That is how Sjogren's fatigue feels but it does not go away. Many people with Sjogren's have tried to describe their fatigue because it is much more than normal tiredness and it cannot be cured by a good night's sleep. In 2021 the Sjogren's Association in Europe created an awareness campaign about fatigue which they say is one of the most prevalent and disabling patient reported symptom of Sjögren’s. It is called 15 types of sjögren's fatigue. The core of the campaign is to express and raise awareness about patients' fatigue and the different ways it manifests itself. It provides words and shareable images about these types of fatigue in many languages. Here are some examples of 2 different types of Sjogren's fatigue: 2. Rebound fatigue If I push myself too far and ignore the cues my body is sending me to stop and rest, my body will fight back. When I do more than I should, the result is an immobilizing fatigue. It comes on after the fact, i.e., do too much one day and feel it the next. If I push myself today, I very likely will have to cancel everything tomorrow. An extended period of doing more than I should will almost certainly cause a flare. 3. Sudden fatigue This 'crumple and fold' phenomenon makes me resemble a piece of laundry. It comes on suddenly, and I have to stop whatever I'm doing and just sit down (as soon as I can). It can happen anywhere, at any time. It is the kind of fatigue that makes me shut off the computer in mid-sentence. It is visible to those who are observant and know what to look for, even though I make gargantuan efforts to disguise the fact that it is happening. See the full campaign with all the information about the 15 types of fatigue here. How is fatigue treated in patients with Sjogren's syndrome? The unknown cause of fatigue in Sjogren's syndrome makes it difficult to determine a specific treatment for the symptoms. Synthetic or biological drugs have so far failed to show significant efficacy in improving fatigue. The role of HCQ remains unclear; RTX is questionable; LEF, zidovudine, bortezomib, TGP, belimumab, epratuzumab, abatacept, etanercept, and anakinra require further research. Other treatments such as dehydroepiandrosterone, gamma-linolenic acid, doxycycline, and infliximab are not effective based on available data. - 2019 research article 'Managing fatigue in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: challenges and solutions.' Hydroxychloroquine is HCQ. Rituximab is RTX Leflunomide is LEF. Total glucosides of peony is TGP The article goes on to say that aerobic exercise seems to be an effective and safe treatment suggestion and that sleep issues such as sleep apnea should be addressed. How can I rate my fatigue? You could use the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) which is a rating scale used by doctors. It was designed to differentiate fatigue from clinical depression since both share some of the same symptoms. The FSS is a short questionnaire that helps you record your own level of fatigue. You could use it each month to rate your fatigue and it would be helpful to show your rheumatologist, on your next appointment, if fatigue is one of your symptoms. Get a copy in PDF form here. Find out more about fatigue in Sjogren's syndrome here. A summary of 2021 research into Sjogren's fatigue can be read here
Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that can affect the entire body. It is important to follow these healthy lifestyle principles.
Glenn Frey’s death is a sobering reminder.
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Firstly let me say that Interstitial lung disease is a very rare complication. In a small percentage of people with Sjogren's syndrome...
Learn about the autoimmune version of hypothyroidism called Hashimoto's. Most people will have antibodies revealing it, plus symptoms.
