The last few months have been rough with multiple events causing increases in inflammation. School started, we have new textbooks, I got my Covid vaccine, and I caught three or four viruses in September and October. The viruses ran together, so I'm not sure how many I had. The one from late October caused a terrible cough which I still have.
My struggle with dryness continues. In my post from August 25, I wrote in regard to my summer autoimmune flare:
I feared that I had Sjögren's syndrome, which causes excessive dryness. I have suspected Sjögren's syndrome for years, but I tested negative in the past. Most people with Sjögren's syndrome do test negative, so that doesn't rule it out. I plan to be tested again later this year, just in case the test shows something.
I was tested two weeks ago. I tested positive for Anti-SSA/Ro antibodies, which are autoantibodies present in around eight different autoimmune diseases, most notably including Sjögren's syndrome. I am being referred to rheumatology, but I know it is Sjögren's syndrome. I have the hallmark symptoms.
