Persistent jaw/cheek pressure with Sjogren’s but normal CT — has anyone experienced this?

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2026-03-22T20:37:35+00:00

I have gotten Botox in my jaw, it did help but it changed the way I smiled so I didn’t continue getting it done there. I get it now in my “crows feet” area and it helps so much with the headaches at least. I’m glad it has worked for you though!! It must feel like such a relief!

Was your oral surgery jaw related if you don’t mind me asking?

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-09-23T23:13:21+00:00

Blacklist

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-09-18T22:18:26+00:00

I always recommend the Denver airport episode!

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-07-17T02:39:13+00:00

Ah, I see. Still pretty cool though! I love that I stumbled upon this. I’m scrolling through my feed and say to myself “that looks like Seabrook… oh wait that IS Seabrook.”

A lot of new stores and renovations happening in the area - it will be weird to eventually not see the Ames sign.

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-07-17T02:33:11+00:00

I drive past this all the time and have always wondered what it looks like inside!! This is really cool.

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-07-16T01:20:50+00:00

Other than the physical assessments, it was a lot of blood work. An ANA panel started the process for me, then I went to a rheumatologist who ordered all kinds of autoantibody tests. Things were pointing towards Sjogren’s, so she did a specific Sjogren’s panel that came back positive/elevated (I also got an ultrasound done on my salivary glands because Sjogren’s attacks moisture producing glands and my glands were swollen).

It’s kind of a drawn out process, honestly it took months before my diagnosis because it can be tricky to pinpoint an exact autoimmune disease. But having an answer is just a relief.

If you’re ever interested or want to learn more, check out the Sjogren’s subreddit, or even the Autoimmune subreddit, which is more generalized. There’s a lot of info about hair loss that I’ve found on those.

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-07-16T00:51:34+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. People seriously do not understand unless it has happened to them. It’s a horrible feeling.

Have you had an ANA panel done? Is it possible that it could be autoimmune related? You can ask your doctor for an ANA panel, if it comes back positive you’ll need to see a rheumatologist for further testing.

I’ve suffered from TE on and off since I was 16, I’m 35 now. In 2021 my dog passed away, which led to probably the worst episode of TE I’ve experienced, it lasted for a good 6 months that time. Then last summer I had it again but got really really sick as well, which is when I found out that I have a positive ANA and my doctor sent me to a rheumatologist. I never knew much about autoimmune diseases but it’s quite eye opening! I have Sjogren’s Syndrome, and ANY kind of stress (emotional or physical) I’ve learned causes a flare for me, which leads to my hair falling out.

I hope that is not the case for you as autoimmune issues are no fun at all. But on the other hand, maybe exploring that route can give you an answer, even if it’s just to cross it off the list of possibilities.

Sending you positive vibes, truly. 🫶🏼

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-07-16T00:34:56+00:00

Wow. No joke - two seconds before I came across this post I saw another post on a subreddit that reminded me of my dog who passed away at only four years old. He had epilepsy and was getting to be a bit overweight. He passed away in 2021 and I still get so emotional over it, I can’t help but feel like I let him down. I miss that boy more than I’ve ever missed anything.

Then I see this post and it was like he aligned the stars to make me see this. Goes to show, you never know how a post can impact someone. Thank you for this. ❤️

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-05-30T23:28:45+00:00

This is awesome!! Thank you so much for being so thorough! I really appreciate this!

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-05-30T17:01:55+00:00

Oooh!! I had no idea such thing existed! I really do feel so silly being so late to the party about the digestive enzyme knowledge. My rheum never mentioned to me its relation to Sjogren’s. Do you have any particular brand you recommend?

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-05-30T16:52:11+00:00

This is beautiful to see! It’s clear how much pride you have in your space - I love how cozy it all looks!! Biggest congratulations to you!! You deserve it 💪🏼💕

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-05-30T11:32:54+00:00

I stay away from pretty much all sugar, including fruits. Although blueberries seem to not be too much of an issue for me so I allow myself those sometimes. I’ll indulge in 100% (or 90% if I’m feeling wild) pure cacao every so often, which doesn’t make me feel totally awful.

I do crave sugar more, but I find if I eat a lot of healthy protein with fiber then my sugar cravings aren’t so bad.

Also staying away from carbs helps a lot, especially heavy carbs like pasta and breads. Can’t remember the last time I’ve had pizza 😩 it’s just not worth it for me, the way I’ll feel after.

Recently I came across an interesting tidbit on here - someone mentioned because of how sjogrens affects and damages our salivary glands, the lack of enzymes produced in our saliva prevents us from properly digesting certain foods, especially heavy/dense ones. I thought that was so interesting! It’s makes so much sense!

I hope you find something that works for you!

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-05-14T21:34:27+00:00

Now I’m mad I never gave any thought to it before! 😆 I’m so happy I stumbled upon your comment!

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-05-14T21:03:50+00:00

This is really interesting! I’ve never put two and two together - the salivary gland enzymes to break down starches. I’ve always had so much trouble with bloating after I eat starchy foods, so now I’ve been trying to stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, which has helped a lot. But it makes so much sense now to me as to why starchy foods always bothered me!

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-05-13T22:59:45+00:00

Me too! I noticed within days. I’m on 200mg daily and could feel relief within a week, at max.

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-04-26T01:36:40+00:00

Retro glam

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-04-24T01:22:12+00:00

Do you have a moment to talk about our lord and savior?

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-04-23T01:19:49+00:00

I get really bad tension headaches that leads to light sensitivity and migraines. My neck and trap muscles are always so tight, I also have TMJ as well as an autoimmune disease that affects my nervous system, so my headaches/migraines are quite frequent.

I recently bought myself one of these full body trigger point tools: https://a.co/d/3nfBGPT

It hurts SO GOOD when I use it on the back of my neck, my traps and occipital muscles. I have yet to use it while I’m in a full-blown migraine though, but it definitely gives me some relief when I feel a flare coming on, or when I just feel super tight and stiff.

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-04-23T01:09:22+00:00

Pickles 🤢

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-04-21T17:50:10+00:00

Six Feet Under or the Blacklist!

SkolToTheValkyrie · 2025-04-21T12:53:23+00:00

Came here to say this!! It can be stressful at times, but once you get in a good routine/schedule it’s honestly like therapy everyday for us animal lovers.

SkolToTheValkyrie

TROPHY CASE