G'Day Everyone,

     I'm Jim, I'm 37 years old, I live in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, and this is my story.

     I was officially diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome in January, 2004, but I've had the the symptoms for quite a number of years prior to being diagnosed, so it was a bit of a relief to finally be able to put a name to the symptoms I was suffering.

     My story is a rather complex one, due to the fact that I am also an Epileptic.  The fact that I am an Epileptic doesn't worry me in the slightest, as I have had Epilepsy since I was 18 months old and do not know life without it.  My Epilepsy is very well controlled due to the medications that I am taking.

     The reason I have mentioned having Epilepsy is due to the fact that the medications I am taking, in my and some doctor's opinions, are a contributing factor to my having Sjogren's Syndrome.  My anti-consultant medications are as follows, with the active ingredient in brackets. Lamictal, (Lamitrogine) and Rivotril, (Clonazepam).  However, the combination of these two medications require me to take an anti-depressant, Lexapro, to control the violent side-effects of my medications.  In March this year, I also started taking Plaquenil.   I haven't started to feel the benefits of it yet, but I'm told it takes a few months before you notice any major changes.

     Early in 2002, I noticed that I was becoming extremely tired and forgetful and things were starting to get the better of me.  In the end, I decided to consult my Neurologist to see what might be causing these problems and to see if we could come up with a solution.  My Neurologist decided it would be a worthwhile exercise to have me fully examined at The Comprehensive Epilepsy Service (C.E.S), located within The Prince Of Wales Hospital in Randwick, Sydney.

     I spent a total of 10 days at the C.E.S, during which time I was constantly wired to and monitored by an EEG machine.  Also during my time at the C.E.S, I underwent various tests, which included everything from M.R.I and C.T Scans, to basic memory tests.   To put it bluntly, I failed the short term memory tests miserably.  However, the odd thing about my memory in general is, that while my short term memory is nothing short of pathetic, my long term memory is unbelievable.  Try and work that one out!

     The end result of all of this testing was only a slight change in my medications, which proved to be a bad move.  As a result of my medication being changed, I developed a severe tremor in my left hand side and my seizures became more frequent.  The end result of all of that is that I am currently on the same medication and dosages that I was on prior to having the tests.

     Now, this is where the Epilepsy factor becomes relevant.  Due to the fact that I had to go to Sydney for testing at such short notice, I had to postpone a scheduled dental appointment.   On arriving home from Sydney, I finally went to see my dentist, as I was concerned about some gaps/cavities appearing between the teeth and gums on my upper jaw. While my dentist was examining me, he commented on how dry my mouth was and asked if it was always that dry.  When I told him it was, the first thing he mentioned was Sjogren's Syndrome.  He also mentioned that the anti-depressant I was taking at the time, Zoloft, was causing the dry mouth and recommended that I change medications as soon as possible.  However, a change in the anti-depressant has resulted in little or no change to the dry mouth or fatigue.

     Like most of you, I had never heard of Sjogren's Syndrome and didn't have a clue what it was or what the symptoms were.   Just like people who don't understand what we're going through.  But after my dentist had finished treating the cavities I mentioned, he gave me some literature on Sjogren's Syndrome to take home and read.  After reading a few pages of this information, everything started making sense.  At last I was putting 2 and 2 together and getting 4, instead of 5.  Every symptom I was looking for an answer to in Sydney, was associated with Sjogren's Syndrome.

     While I'm not exactly thrilled to have Sjogren's Syndrome on my list of conditions, it was a great relief to finally find out what was causing all the fatigue, memory loss, dry mouth and other factors that are a  part of Sjogren's Syndrome.  So now that I know what is causing my problems, it's a case of trying to get about living something resembling a normal life again.  A big step in regaining some semblance of normality in my life came when I got in contact with Lynne.  From day one we became instant soul mates and have always been there for one another, regardless of the distance between our homes.   It is a friendship that I value very much. The bond that we share can not be described.  Finally having someone who can relate to what a person with Sjogren's Syndrome is going through has certainly turned my life around.  Maybe I can do the same for you!

     But regardless of what each day might bring, I try and take the Monty Python approach and Always Look On The Bright Side of Life.

     So there you have it.  Sorry if it was a bit boring and tedious, but I thought all the factors relating to my story should be told to put everything into perspective.  If you would like to get in touch with me, feel free.

Until then, Cheers!

Jim

Story Copyright © 2004-2007 Jim