I didn't have much to complain about the first few years since chewing gum and Biotene products worked fairly well when I needed relief from the dryness and the burning.  However, the last two years have gotten much more challenging.  I started having random anxiety attacks, I felt like I was highly agitated and unable to tolerate being in my own skin.  There are days when I can't think straight and have difficulty expressing my thoughts.  Depression and fatigue became the norm.

     The rheumatologist prescribed Lexapro and this has helped tremendously with the agitation and anxiety.  I told him about my thinking difficulty and he ordered an MRI of the brain.  This revealed small white matter lesions of unknown origin so I had to be worked up for possible MS.  After a complicated spinal tap they decided I did not have MS or vasculitis so there's been no explanation for the brain lesions.  I will have a repeat MRI in August to check for changes.

     This past December I had a very painful herniated disc in my lower back that was pressing on nerves.  I finally found a wonderful chiropractor who practices the Cox distraction method.  It took the pressure off of the nerves in a matter of a few treatments.  It was incredible.  I continue to see her for maintenance so my lower back stays flexible and pain free.

     The last physical episode that I had to solve for myself was a recurring monthly vaginal inflammation that sometimes appears as a yeast infection but the usual yeast remedies wouldn't fix it.  I started taking a large daily dose of acidolphilis every day and I found an internal lubricant called Replens on the web.  I use the homeopathic yeast remedy from the health food store if needed because it won't burn like Monistat does.  This problem lasted for almost a year but it's finally calmed down.  I started taking fish oil capsules, flaxseed oil, and evening primrose oil along with garlic tablets and extra vitamin C.  No one told me to do this but I felt so inflamed that I started reading about what calms down inflammation in the body.  I also eat avocado for its ability to make the body more alkaline and less acidic.   I bought orthotics to help my painful feet and legs.

     So just like all of you, I am figuring out what works as I go along.  I've slowed down my pace and I try to take good care of myself.  I am concerned about how I will be able to continue working and supporting myself financially as time goes on.  I recently applied for disability and got declined.  I was warned that this would probably happen and that it is normal to have to make an appeal.  I have a loving family and a few good friends that let me lean on them from time to time so I feel good about the solutions I've figured out and so far its been manageable.  Its been very helpful reading Lynne's website and reading about all the different ways this condition appears in individuals. Thanks for the information and I hope I help others as well.