I developed a Staph infection (treatable) in my right knee around Thanksgiving, 2006. I took two rounds of oral Levequin (500mg, 2 per day), two weeks in length, seperated by one week of oral Bactrim. This stopped the Staph infection, but I now have all the symptoms of Sjogrens syndrome (very dry mouth and dry eyes). Underlying this condition, I was diagnosed with RA in Feb. 2000 and have been taking Enbrel, which has effectively arrested the progression of joint damage of RA. Is it possible the lenghty doses of Levequin and Bactrim triggered the Sjorgen syndrome symptoms? Do you think this is likely a temporary condition brought on by the antibiotics, or is it more likely a condition associated with RA? I have not yet consulted a Physician with these issues and I don’t want to have hollered “wolf” too soon if the condition is likely temporary. This all started with a recent visit to my Dentist where he detected unusual decay in the few teeth I have left. I am a 71 yr old white male.

I have Celiac’s Disease and my aunt has Polymyalgia Rhuematica and I wondered if it could be an auto-immune disease side effect, in case she might have CD also. If it is possible that a gluten free diet might help her, please inform me.

How to treat Chronic Hives? Only thing that works for a short-time to relieve this is Cortisone.

I have recently been diagnosed with arthritis in my shoulder and AC joint. I apperantly have had it for a while because it is very bad, anyhow my fingers have been tingling and been numb off and on for awhile now and I was wondering if arthritis can cause this to happen?

What is the overall national ranking of JHU Arthritis Health care. Please indicate source of evaluation (e.g US News and World Report, medical society, etc).