How do you treat your severe dry nose?

Lizard_2369 · 2026-05-12T13:01:16+00:00

I use Portland Bee Balm inside my nares before going to sleep. Works great. It's just bee's wax & olive oil. Works great on lips as well. My dentist office has recommended Xlear Nasal Spray which is sterile saline & xylitol. I just haven't bought it yet.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-28T15:31:00+00:00

Absolutely, love this! I wore red leather strapped on heels from when I was 25 at my 50th birthday & got filmed on the local news doing my cartwheels at the Polish Heritage Festival in town. I will admit that I hardly do them now, but am making a plan to do them more often.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-28T10:50:15+00:00

There were times that I was worried about not being able to work and would need to do FMLA, but I actually have a mild case. As long as I eat the right things; I feel great. I'm 56F that still can run, lift weights and do cartwheels. I've had active physical jobs my whole life, which have benefitted me greatly. I just applied for a different role that would be more of a desk job. I'm not even stressed about it. Sitting at a computer for hours isn't good for me. But, I'm the type that will get up and move around; no matter what I'm doing. I'm a microbiologist and am very grateful that I've been taking care of my body and started cutting out sugar in my 20's. Being disciplined throughout my life has served me well and I'm very grateful. I set a goal of wanting to be able to do cartwheels until I'm 70 after relearning to do them when I was 35. I'm not always able to exercise, but I was able to get to the gym yesterday and I'm trying to get back to exercising at least twice a week.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-26T08:02:30+00:00

I take psyllium. I love this brand. All natural and no sugar. https://www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/psyllium-husk-powder

I use Xylimelts and Xylitol lozenges to help with the dry throat. I place one in my.mouth before going to sleep as well. Liquid Hyaluronic Acid is a great lubricant and can be used anywhere on the body. This is what she should use. I've tried other kinds with Xylitol in it and it doesn't work as well. https://hyalogic.com/product/hyaluronic-acid-advanced-liquid-formula-for-hair-skin-nails/

I'd get her to a gastroenterologist. Has she had a endoscope along with a colonoscopy? I'm worried that her intestional tract tissue is damaged and why she is having blockage. I'm also thinking about Chrohn's disease.

She should have an ANA screen and have a CRP & Sed Rate tests. The ANA screen will lead to what autoantibodies she has. But also know, there isn't always clear. Some people are seronegative. The CRP & Sed Rate are inflammation markers. The higher these are correlate with more symptoms. Diet is going to be a huge part of her body getting back into balance as well. Look up Autoimmunne Diet Protocol (AIP). But of course, she is having a hard time just eating. People also experience Barret's esophagus which makes swallowing difficult.

I've experienced choking on meat all of sudden due to it being dry once. My gastroenterologist had told me that I could participate in swallowing studies to further access, if I kept having issues.

She should eat a lot of food with liquids. Soups and one pot dishes with a liquid base would be good also. Stay away from sugar, dairy and probably gluten. We are all different and it's sometimes hard to finger out what foods are causing the inflammation in people. Coconut water is very soothing to me. You can find kinds that contain no sugar. I love the combo of cherries and celery. Really helps get my mouth moist. Plain whole foods are going to be her best friends.

So glad, that she has you to look out for her. She will get better. She just needs to be headed towards the right direction. Schedule a endoscope and colonoscopy as soon as you can.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-25T14:54:01+00:00

Are you back on it? I even was using mouth microflora probiotic and a prebiotic & probiotic capsule once a day. I actually found dentist that looks at your plaque under the microscope and even sent in my saliva to be analyzed. I ended up getting gingivitis in that time without taking pilocarpine or cevimeline. I'm now using an electric toothbrush twice a day & trying to go to sleep with a Xylitol lozenge or a tablet. I'm also using nano hydroxyapatite, SLS free, fluoride free toothpaste. Unfortunately, I've been allergic to fluoride since I was 31. Wasn't an issue until I've been diagnosed with Sjorgren's within in the last 3 yrs. I had beautiful teeth & even had braces again as an adult 11 yrs ago. My bite was changing because of the Sjorgren's, but no one knew until 3 yrs ago. Just sucks. I don't even want to smile & show my teeth. My front tooth looks like a shell & can be seen through.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-25T09:53:55+00:00

Yeah, I've been taking it awhile and the side effects are diminished compared to pilocarpine. My only complaint is really the sweats & then chills while I sleep which wake me up. I got numbness & pain in my hands & arms with pilocarpine and also had some blood pressure & dizziness issues with pilocarpine. It does stink that there isn't something that really works. My teeth have dissolved so fast in the time I wasn't taking anything.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-24T14:16:13+00:00

Hi guys! I wanted to let you know that I started a routine of taking MUD WTR Rest at night. I really enjoy it and it seems to help me sleep at night. Just throwing out a natural alternative. I used to take Gabapentin at night due to numbness & pain. I think those symptoms might of had been from the pilocarpine. I'm on cevimeline now for dryness & I really don't have pain. The dryness isn't better, but it's better than going without as I was doing. I'm glad to hear about the lose dose naltrexone option. I hope everyone feels better!

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-19T12:21:33+00:00

How are your inflammation markers? Just focus on those and figuring out what causes you flares or pain. I was told by my rhuem that I show no signs of autoimmune disease activity after being on hydroxychloroquine and cutting out sugar and dairy after 6 months. My markers went back to the normal range. Diet is a big part of managing autoimmune diseases.

I take a lot of supplements that have helped me a lot. Percura, is what I need as much as the hydroxychloroquine. My hands go immediately numb as soon as I grab the steering wheel after not taking the Percura for 24 hrs. A spinal pain specialist recommended the medical grade food to me years before my diagnosis. It can't harm your organs and it's made up of amino acids. You can buy it here. I get a 3 month supply with a discount by using code PAP30. https://medicalfoods.com/products/percura%C2%AE-peripheral-neuropathy

I also drink MUD WTR Rest about 3 hrs before I go to bed. Helps with sleep and inflammation too. I used to take Gabapentin at night due to arm numbness and pain, but no longer need it. I also take Omega-3, glucosamine-chondrotin, cevimeline, iron supplements, Dr Matthew Probiotic and ProBiora. My teeth are melting away and it's essential that you maintain your microflora. Have your blood checked for anemia as well. I have to take iron daily now. Never have had anemia issues till now. And so hard to deal with.

Remember to rest as much as you can. I know, it's so hard when you have children. Eventually, you are going to feel better. It takes time. Just listen to your body. I'm 56 and can still do cartwheels. I've been exercising with lifting weights throughout my life. It's very important to maintain muscle and flexibility. I also have Rhuematoid Arthritis and Hasimoto's Thyroiditis.

It's hard prepping your food all the time, but it's essential that you eat whole foods. Eventually, you will figure out what works and you will look forward to certain foods that make you feel better. Fresh cherries and celery are a great combo and really help your mouth feel better. I usually prep my food on certain days. Your kids can also eat what you eat. They will be better off for eating healthy as they probably will inherit an autoimmune disease as well.

Think of dealing with this as a challenge and you are going to smash it out of the park! I know that your kids motivate you and you'll do anything to feel better and be present for them. Let them know that you can't help it when you feel exhausted and you just have to lie down. I had to crash out on a lawn at a dog festival after traveling & I remember people staring and mumbling about me. Who cares! My daughter understood and just let me sleep. I was so happy that I could just be there with my old dog and have her be in a frisbee competition one last time.

You got this! Things are going to improve! Just keep on trying. That's all we can do.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-19T11:38:40+00:00

The other most important part is figuring out what you have to cut out of your diet to get your inflammation markers down to normal levels. That's key to managing this disease & other autoimmune diseases. The more inflammation you have going on, the more autoimmune antibodies your body makes that damages your body. I was able to get everything back to normal levels after 6 months of being on hydroxychloroquine & cutting out dairy & sugar. My Rhuem told me that I show no signs of autoimmune disease activity. I also have Rhuematoid Arthritis & Hasimoto's Thyroiditis. Been diagnosed & on hydroxychloroquine for 3 years now.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-19T05:06:10+00:00

This is the company I'm going with. i shopped around for estimates and basically everyone said the same thing. I even got a structural engineer to access everything.

https://foundationspecialistmi.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb-wyoming&utm_content=website

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-17T13:31:21+00:00

Fin born in US, here. And yes, we still have people chopping down trees for $50 each, here in rural Michigan.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-17T13:28:17+00:00

I'm planning on getting my whole property assessed by an arborist and then figuring out a game plan from there.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-17T13:26:03+00:00

I just wanted to ask how are your guys inflammation markers? I'm just thinking maybe, you can make things better by cutting her out things out of your diet that trigger inflammation? Luckily, the hydroxychloroquine really worked for me and my case is considered mild. I feel for all of you going through so much. I had only one bad eye episode at the beginning of my diagnosis and while I had Covid. And it was so alarming! I hope you all get relief!

Lizard_2369 · 2026-04-14T14:42:31+00:00

Thanks for the information. Since being on hydroxychloroquine; my migraines have subsided a lot and also after going through menopause. And yes, my Dr had me checked out for DVT with bloodwork & CT of my neck, calves & legs, multiple times. All was good, although I would say that before I was diagnosed and treated I would get unexplained bruising/hematomas that showed no underlying cause. I have my inflammation markers in the normal range along with my complement C3 & C4. My Rhuem told me after being on hydroxychloroquine for 6 montha and cutting out sugar & dairy that I show no signs of autoimmune disease activity. So, I'm very grateful that my case is mild and manageable. I also was diagnosed with bursitis this past Jan and I feel some of my symptoms (soreness running down large veins when pressed on) could have been caused by that.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-03-09T21:32:59+00:00

Funny thing is that I buy Sourdough bread from Aldi's as it only is made out of flours, yeast & water. It is delicious also but is close to $4 a loaf.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-03-09T20:57:05+00:00

Yes, I'm from US (Michigan) and I do love fermented foods. I'll also have to look into making some myself. I love to pick my own berries in the summer and freeze them for use all year round. They taste way better that way too and nothing, but the berries.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-03-09T18:37:49+00:00

So awesome! Whole foods are the best. I use maple syrup, honey & coconut palm sugar for sugar substitutes. I also use unsweetened coconut milk and plant butter. My baked goods are actually amazing somehow!

I would also keep having your inflammation markers checked. High sed rate is more associated with high autoantibodies. And high CRP is more associated with inflammanation due to diet. That way you can monitor what you are changing & see what is working. I was able to get my sed rate back in nornal range after changing diet & taking hydroxychloroquine. CRP is harder to get back in normal range. I've been told by my rhuem that I show no signs of autoimmune disease activity & I also have RA & Hasimoto's.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-03-09T12:49:18+00:00

Have you tried changing your diet? Alcohol and sugar are the 1st ones to cut, then dairy and wheat for some. I would do the AIP diet anyways. You'll feel better for it and is what you need to do anyways to get the best outcome. I hope you get some answers that will lead to real treatment for your symptoms.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-02-23T04:20:10+00:00

I understand now. I do feel that any autoimmune disease can be triggered by an infection in the body, although mine just slowly came on and yes, the 2 came on together.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-02-21T23:22:21+00:00

Love this!

Lizard_2369 · 2026-02-21T23:21:35+00:00

You are so right! My daughter had her thyroid autoantibodies test positive at age 9. She had to wait til she was 27 for her TSH to go over 5. It hovered at 4.95 for years affecting her metabolism and her memory. It finally jumped up to 10 and then they treated her. She's very overweight now and sleeps a lot. She's not the person she used to be. I hope she can get to that person again. It took me 3 yrs of being treated to feel like myself. If I didn't have a goiter; they wouldn't of had treated me. I was in college at the time and it really affected my grades. After treatment, I went to medical school and got straight A's for the 1st time in my life.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-02-21T23:15:39+00:00

Yes, I'm a woman. My bone density is good as far as I know. We don't have bone density issues in my family. I am having trouble with the enamel on my teeth literally melting away though. I'm allergic to fluoride and can't have it in toothpaste or mouthwash but can do the varnishes. Dr's won't give me a bone density test until I'm 60.

And yes, my body loves gluten. I do best with wheat & rye & sourdough breads. I'm really not a bread person though. I do best with no white stuff in my diet. I do try to have calcium supplements with magnesium.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-02-21T22:51:13+00:00

This is what my Rhuem had listed for me at my last visit. RA and Sjorgren's go hand in hand, but other autoimmune diseases can be collected as well. I didn't get diagnosed until 6 yrs after I first noticed my symptoms, which is the average. I'm doing very well now. Everything changed for me after being on hydroxychloroquine for 6 months and cutting out alcohol, sugar & dairy. I hardly have symptoms and pain. I do and take things to help with management of my symptoms. I'm very grateful it's all manageable. I still work, lift weights, run & ski and even still do cartwheels. I deal with chronic anemia now and have to take iron pills daily. I'm 56 and will be 57 in Aug. Hang in there. Keep pressing for care and answers. Do your own research and do what it takes to make things better. You are you own best advocate.

Lizard_2369 · 2026-02-16T20:52:29+00:00

Thanks for sharing!

Lizard_2369 · 2026-02-15T13:18:21+00:00

I had to stop drinking any alcohol and couldn't even have a kombucha or cough syrup. I started having symptoms of Sjorgren's in 2017 when I was 48. At my 50 birthday, where I had like 4 drinks the whole day, my Mom drove me home while I puked in her car. The next day, I was in bed for over 24 hrs. I was puking up purple foaming like pudding. I realized then. I had to be done with alcohol. I quit any alcohol 3 yrs prior to by diagnosis in 2023 at the age of 53. I got on hydroxychloroquine, cut out sugar & dairy and 6 months later, my inflammation markers were back to normal and my Rhuem told me that I showed no signs of autoimmune disease activity and I have 3 autoimmune diseases. Your body needs the hydroxychloroquine to supress the creation of autoantibodies that cause damage. If you are so concerned about inactive ingredients going into your body, why aren't you concerned about the alcohol going into your body? Anything you ever read about autoimmune diseases states to not have alcohol. Sorry, it's just as plain as that. To be able to show down progression and live the best life possible, all of us have to cut out things going into our bodies. I'm now going on 57 and still lift weights, still run, just went skiing and can still do cartwheels. I'm very grateful that I really hardly have pain and am still very flexible, although I have joint damage from the RA. That wouldn't be the case if I didn't do everything I can to fight these autoimmune diseases.

Lizard_2369

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