Lynne
Betty, I didn't have the lip biopsy. My doctor didn't see the need to put me through that when he diagnosed me. Most of my problems are with the muscles and tendons (Secondary Sjogren's). I do not have rheumatoid arthritis. There are blood tests they can do to test for that. I had two different doctors perform the test and both came back negative. Aside from watching what I eat, remember I said fats really bother me, the one other thing I need to do is cut down on caffeine. I read recently that it can affect the way you feel. Don't drink coffee but I love Pepsi. I have three other autoimmune diseases as well. They are all linked. Meaning if you have one you can get others. Now isn't that something to look forward too. As I also said, I have had this for 2 years and have pretty much learned to live with it in such a short time. I do exercise (run/walk)and I live in a two story house so am constantly going up and down the stairs . I find it helps. Being tired a lot of the time is probably hardest part of this stuff. But even then I try to keep moving. One of the ladies where I work had plugs put in to help keep tears and moisture on her eyes. She said that helped a lot. She doesn't have as dry a mouth as you have but does drink a lot of water. I do too even though sometimes I feel like my mouth is full of saliva. I am not sure how much this helps but at least you know there are others of us who can relate to what you are going through. I am grateful for the doctor I have too. He lets me go at my own pace with trying to figure out what is best for me. Although I do follow his orders to the letter with regard to my medications because without them I would be a real mess. What medications do you take? Take care.