Lynne
Robyn, I was diagnosed with Sjogren's two years ago. As your rheumatologist has told you it is an autoimmune disease. It is not life threatening but annoying as can be. There are two types of Sjogren's. Primary and secondary. Primary affects mostly the mucous-secreting glands (eyes and mouth)and secondary may have a connective tissue disease (rheumatoid arthritis, inflamation of the muscles, etc.). I have not read any thing associated with Sjogren's that mentions Bell's Palsy. Bell's Palsy is not autoimmune in origin according the the Merck Manual, an excellent source for all diseases and illnesses. I had numerous blood tests before my rheumatologist diagnosed Sjogren's and prescribed plaquenil and prednisone for it. The drawback to plaquenil is it can affect the eyes so I have to go to an opthamologist twice a year. I am not very good with writing but I do have this annoyance under control. I have to watch what I eat (fats drive me nuts) to keep the inflammation down. I also go to physical therapy and massage therapy for range of motion problems. There are several places to find out more about Sjogren's, this website being one of them. I am sorry I do not have any additional information for you about Bell's Palsy. Good luck to you.