It all began eleven months ago with a visit to the dentist. My dry mouth made that particular dental cleaning pure hell. The inside of my mouth could not "open wide" because it was full of ulcers. I was referred to a dental specialist for whom I had to wait two weeks. Then off to a Raleigh oral surgeon a few more weeks later. All had hinted they would do a biopsy; none did. I was prescribed Magic Mouthwash, which I still use today. I can no longer eat sharp, crispy foods, or tomatoes, strawberries and peaches. They all cause me pain, as if were chewing on glass.
The latest diagnosis guessed from this year's dental exam was Sjogren's Syndrome. The dental technician said my mouth sores look exactly like Oral Lichen Planus (either condition can lead to cancer).
My GP ran a few tests that ruled Sjogren's out, but I do have some type of lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where, in my case, my body cannot produce moisture. Ergo, dry eyes plus dry skin.
Last week, I went to the dermatologist. It was an emergency visit for which I had to wait months. My skin was so dry, there were flakes of dandruff all over my face. Contact dermatitis and eczema covered most of my body. This doctor took a biopsy. Hopefully, I'll learn the results by next Monday, when I have the stitches removed. In over a week's time, I've made amazing progress. It's not obvious to others, but I am no longer scratching myself bloody from the insane itching. Prednisone is largely credited.
Yesterday I met with a rheumatologist for the first time because of the lupus diagnosis. My latest prescriptions are likely aggravating my dry-everything. The visit ended with more blood work being taken. What I have may still be Sjogren's. One test may have ruled out what yesterday's battery of tests will prove. I return there in three weeks, maybe with two answers.
As to my unsteadiness on my feet where I sometimes do an unscripted choreographed Doh-Si-Doh dance, that falls under the purview of a neurologist. When I have my next TeleMed visit with my GP, I'll need to ask for a referral.
Coming up, I'll visit my psychiatrist. The meds she prescribed may be affecting me too. Why the hell not?
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