How Vicky Got Her Drool Back...

I had forgotten what it felt like to wake with a damp pillow. I know...GROSS! But...hey...we all do it. (especially during a stuffy nose and cough that won't go away)

One of the most common signs of Sjogrens is a dry mouth. Here is an interesting link to dry mouth and Sjogrens. It also points out the following;

Dry mouth can be a sign of certain diseases or conditions, such as Sjogren's syndrome.

Dry mouth can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.

Dry mouth can increase your chance of developing dental decay and other mouth infections.

Dry mouth can be caused by certain drugs or medical treatments.

I would say the second one has been the worse for me at this point. I have to make sure I have a gallon of water to get a biscuit down without choking. The best way I can describe it is when you take a big spoon of peanut butter and try to swallow it. It is hard and almost next to impossible....welcome to my world. Or at least what was my world for quite awhile. I am on cellcept right now and the drool has returned. Gladly I might add.

Cellcept is an autoimmune suppressant drug normally used after a transplant. It is being used for the treatment in autoimmune dieseases at times but as my friend Maria at My Life Works Today points out ...

"One thing I did find is that the FDA is resisting approving it due to the possibility of it triggering a virus (JC) in our bodies that resembles a disease something like MS (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or PML). Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/4dog5r The incidences of this have been small and I have had no indication of problems. There's a risk with everything and Cellcept has been a lifesaver".

Maria and myself are responding well to cellcept. It is keeping her kidneys and Lupus at bay. It is helping me prepare for transplant and it is how I got my drool back!