QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
These are an example of questions asked on the helpline and in the newsletter. Every three months a newsletter goes out to each of our members and along with articles written by our Medical Council Members and other medical experts we have a section on advice, tips and questions, which is very imformative and lead by the members. Click here for more information on becoming a BSSA member....
Q in the past 12 months I have spent in excess of £500 on dentist treatment, I now have abscess under another tooth and I can not afford to spend any more money on my teeth, do you have any advice?
A Speak to your GP about being referred to your local dental hospital for extra help with the tooth problems.
Q I keep getting nerve pain in my teeth, can you suggest anything to help it?
A Try toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Q I am having problems with extreme tiredness is there anything my GP can give me to help?
A There is a medication called Plaqueril which does help fatigue but this is something you need to discuss with your GP.
Q I had a lip biopsy two weeks ago and the test has come back inconclusive – what happens next?
A You need to speak to your rheumatologist about treatments for the symptoms anyway.
- Eye drops
- Mouth gels
- Medication for the fatigue plus the aches and pains
- Maybe a ENT specialist for an ultra sound of the salivary glands or a consultant in oral medicine.
Q I have recently been discharged from my Ophthalmologist, but I would feel happier if still saw someone regarding her SS. Who would I be best to see?
A Ask your GP to refer you to a rheumatologist. Contact PALS to see if they can advise a specialist in your area.
Q I have been advised to take Hydroxychloroquine, how would I benefit from it?
A Many people with SS find using Plaqueril very useful for the fatigue aches and pains and general inflammation associated with SS.
Q My GP will not prescribe bioxtra toothpaste even though I have been advised to use it, do you have any other suggestions.
A Bioxtra is available on the NHS and it is less expensive than the mouth gel so most GPS are likely to prescribe it. Biotene toothpaste is very good, and worth trying.
Q I have IBS and for the last two days I have been using fibro gel, how long does it take before there is a significant improvement?
A I suggest you use the fibro gel for a week or two to give it time to help.
Q I have heard that HRT can help improve SS, is this true?
A HRT may help but it does depend on each individual case and needs to be discussed with your GP or consultant.
Q My mouth is uncomfortable and my saliva is thick and sticking to my teeth, any ideas on how I can stop it?
A Make up a mouth wash to help break down the mucus.
1 tsp baking powder, 1tsp of salt in 1 litre of water. This needs to be made fresh each day.
Q My glands in my neck are swollen and my GP is sending me for an ultrasound, is this normal in SS to have enlarged glands?
A Yes unfortunately it is a common problem with SS both in the face and the neck area. When the face is affected it is usually around the jaw line.
Q Currently I am using hyperomellose 0.3% eye drops (bottle) and find that my eyes are still sore for up to an hour afterwards.
A try using preservative free eye drops and ask your GP if you could try Viscotrears gel as a longer lasting eye drop.
Q My nose is very dry, what suggestions do you have?
A Nozil is very good for a dry nose and it lasts for most of the day and when used at bedtime it will last through the night. There is also a sea salt nasal spray called Sterimar which is worth trying.
Q I get a photo sensitive rash on my arms, do you have any suggestions on creams for sun blocks.
A Try Soltan from boots, baby sun creams with at least factor 30, as other people have found these very good.
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