I was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) in Oct., 1970.  I was in and out of the ER almost every other week.  Along with the Lupus they said I had Sjogrens.  The Lupus is now in remission and has been for over 30 yrs.  My Sjogrens has been very active for about 20-25 yrs.  It started with the choking.  I have extensive dental problems.  I can only have my teeth fixed (filled or crowns).  I even break my crowns,  I have a hard time putting dental stuff in my mouth.  My lips sometimes bleed from the dryness.  I use biotene products and numoisyn lozenges.  I take 1 plaquenil (200mg) a day.  I have extreme incontinence.  I had an Interstim implant done in August, 2013.  I have gastritis, mild hypertension, osteoarthritis, raynauds phenomenon, carpal tunnel and varicose veins stage 3.  I had my thyroid removed in june, 2011, gallbladder in april, 2008, hysterectomy in May, 1994.  My knees have alot of arthritis.  I fell in Oct., 2012, Feb., 2013, June and August.  I went to therapy for about 6 wks. for balance.  I dont know why I fall.  Ive had arthroscopic surgery.  One in 1999 and the other in Aug., 2011.  I had 2 children.  One was a regular delivery and the other a c-section.  I have trouble with my left foot since 1999.  Its so painful that I cant walk.  It comes and goes so its not always there. X-rays and MRI show nothing.  Drs. think its part of my Lupus or Sjogrens.  Why can I not have peanuts if my thyroid removed?  What does Alfalfa have to do with my Lupus?  Im not suppose to eat beans?  My dr. is an internal medicine dr.  I see a rheumatologist.  I have my eyes checked every 6 months.  My eyes are dry, somedays more than others.  I have dysphagia.  I never know when Im going to have a choking incident.  My neck has arthritis and some of my spine disks.  Blood work is done every 6 months.  The last 3 times my white blood counts have been low (3.90) and red blood count is low (3.76). Mono% (19%) is high. Lymph% (64.4%) is high.  Im going to see my Dr. on Oct. 23rd for these results.  Id like to know if some of the pain (ribs) comes from the back to front.  Will this later control my breathing.  With the implant I can not have and MRI.  What do I have to look forward to.  My drs all say I look good.  But looking good and feeling bad doesnt go together everyday.  I have to limit my activities.  I dont spend alot of time outside.  Its too hot for me.  I wear my very dark sunglasses all the time Im outside running errands.    I would appreciate any help or advice you all may have for me.  Thanks, Irma
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