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Should I Consult A Rheumatologist For Polyarthralgia And Sjogren's Disease?

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Posted on Wed, 14 May 2014
Question: I have possible Celiac, definite gluten intolerance for at least a year, but having severe intermittent stomach pain which last fall GI said due to long course antibiotics and slowly got better. Also OB-GYN says pelvic congestion syndrome seen in US in November and I know that can fluctuate. week before last awful with stomach then a good week and got my period- but now yesterday and today terrible pains.
I also have been worried about RA for a few years but eating gluten free initially helped my hands and wrists... however recently my joints are worsening (thumbs, wrists, elbows) despite eating very clean. Also my dentist now notes dry salivary glands over last few months, also not improving (he thinks Sjogren's)
should I see rheumatologist? or GI again?
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see Rheumatologist.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for an elucidate history and information. After re-reading your history, a few things come to my mind.

All the problems you are having are associated with a sort of autoimmune disorder- the celiac, Sjogren's, RA- joint pains (Polyarthralgia).

It is good that you have already been seen by a GI Specialist and suggested a possibility of Celiac. The Pelvic congestion can be secondary to the intestinal problems and these disorders are known to recur and give you pain in abdomen.

You may also notice that all the symptoms are inter-related and so the gluten-free diet helped you poly-arthralgia. Again they have a tendency to recur as you have now.

Dry salivary gland can be due to Sjogren's.

With all these disorders I would advise you to visit the Rheumatologist and discuss with Him in details so that the medicines can be useful for all the problems simultaneously. Just a hint at the medical management- never stop any medicines abruptly, always request for gradual weaning.

Few Naturopathy therapies like Acupressure or acupuncture, Yoga, meditation do help in such disorders and you may please follow them if you have someone to guide in nearby area.

Wish you a good health.
Please feel free if you have any further clarifications or queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (44 hours later)
I forgot to mention i have breast implants an am now concerned thrre may be a link. Do you believe there may ne a link between implants and autoimmune disease?
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Depends upon timing of implants.

Detailed Answer:
This depends upon whether your medical problems started before or after the implants.

Please tell us more about this.
Are they silicon implants?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (12 minutes later)
I believe the symptom started after. I got them in '09 and symptoms began in '10-'11 with thumb arthritis. But I am also a physical therapist and had another baby in '11 so explained lots of symptoms away. s
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility due to implant to be considered

Detailed Answer:
Nice to know that you are a Physical Therapist.

There are no safety reports and it is being thought they do cause variety of autoimmune diseases.

And in your case the chronology goes in favor of this. Your connecting your problems to your job and baby may not be really related to your problems.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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Should I Consult A Rheumatologist For Polyarthralgia And Sjogren's Disease?

Brief Answer: Please see Rheumatologist. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for an elucidate history and information. After re-reading your history, a few things come to my mind. All the problems you are having are associated with a sort of autoimmune disorder- the celiac, Sjogren's, RA- joint pains (Polyarthralgia). It is good that you have already been seen by a GI Specialist and suggested a possibility of Celiac. The Pelvic congestion can be secondary to the intestinal problems and these disorders are known to recur and give you pain in abdomen. You may also notice that all the symptoms are inter-related and so the gluten-free diet helped you poly-arthralgia. Again they have a tendency to recur as you have now. Dry salivary gland can be due to Sjogren's. With all these disorders I would advise you to visit the Rheumatologist and discuss with Him in details so that the medicines can be useful for all the problems simultaneously. Just a hint at the medical management- never stop any medicines abruptly, always request for gradual weaning. Few Naturopathy therapies like Acupressure or acupuncture, Yoga, meditation do help in such disorders and you may please follow them if you have someone to guide in nearby area. Wish you a good health. Please feel free if you have any further clarifications or queries.