@A MyChronicPainTeam Member I wonder about Sjogrens in your case. I have a friend who has it and the symptoms are sometimes unpredictable. She has had lengthy periods where she has no appetite and has to force herself to eat. Sometimes damp, humid weather sets off generalized pain, other times not. When she feels well she can carry heavy boxes, mow the yard, and whatever needs to be done. When she has a flare she has trouble getting out of bed. I think there is a test for Sjogrens. I agree--if I knew what food, actions, even thoughts made me have a good day I'd be happy to follow that therapy.

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A MyChron...

@sharvey4579 Don't give up searching for answers. Some of my issues are pretty straightforward. Others have been either dismissed or ignored by doctors for years. I've suffered with nondiabetic neuropathy for years and for the past few years I've had constant swelling in my ankles and legs, even though I follow all the advice to avoid salt and keep my blood pressure down. In the process of having a knee replacement the surgeon prescribed gabepentin which, though it's often used to prevent seizures, is also proven to lessen the use of opioids by patients following knee surgeries. For me it had an unexpected benefit. I can see my ankles for the first time in a year and my neuropathy is better. I tell this story because if you persist in seeking treatment you increase your chances of finding something that works even if by accident. You have a good handle on your symptoms. Have you tried keeping a journal of your symptoms along with what you eat and what things (weather, stress, etc.) tend to trigger your symptoms? That might point you toward some answers to your questions. I wish you low pain and pain free days!

Yeah. That is what I was thinking as well! I forgot to mention I have sores on tips of toes sometimes, always cold (big change for me), skin splits/cracks on knuckles, between fingers and rash up wrists which looks like a bunch of little cuts. It sucks!!! (worse in winter.. right now I'm ok with all of the above but body temp). When I have that weird "flu like" flare, my head stays hot and the rest cold or normal. My appetite is bizarre.. unintentional fasting then ravenous. I've been neg. for Sjogren's but again, like Lupus, I believe it can hide. My mom's ANA factor was negative for a long time.

Thanks for sharing this. Yes.. I've journaled on and off. I often joke.. If I knew what the heck I did to feel good today, I'd do it every day! LOL. I don't notice any kind of triggers or real explanation based on my tracking.