Dear Dr. Gott: I am confused and hope you can shed some light on some health issues I am having.

In 2007, I was a healthy 46-year-old female. The only health issue I had was a thoracic back problem. During that summer, I was bothered by some stomach discomfort similar to spasms. The pain came and went for some time, finally occurring daily. I tried all kinds of over-the-counter remedies, but nothing worked. I went to the doctor when I wasn't able to eat anything without developing pain, since I was losing about a pound a week.

The doctor heard a bruit (noise) in my stomach and sent me for an ultrasound to confirm his finding of a blocked arterial blood flow. I went through a lot of tests and saw several specialists. I found out I had three blocked major arteries and was diagnosed with chronic mesenteric ischemia.

I was floored to say the least. I was a healthy woman, 5 ft 2 ins, 115 pounds. I immediately quit smoking and went to a vascular surgeon. I opted to have aorto-synth bypass though a midline incision, and a hemashield graft was inserted in February 2008. I had some complications, but was released nine days later.

My scar has developed into a keloid and is very painful, so I was given a pain patch that I continue to use. The patches don't help a lot, but they make the pain at least tolerable. I also take an 81-milligram aspirin and simvastatin, I guess for my artery problem.

In June 2008, routine blood work showed a slight increase in my TSH. My doctor and I decided to watch it. By December 2008, it had increased to 98, indicating hypothyroidism. I was started on medication. I was told it was because my immune system had started attacking my thyroid gland.

Just recently, my mouth has become very dry, and my fingers hurt terribly. My doctor ordered more blood work. It came back that I now have Sjogren's syndrome! I am told that it causes dry eyes and mouth, and often accompanies other autoimmune disorders. He referred me to a rheumatologist, but I am terribly distraught over this. What is going on? Why is my immune system attacking me? Can it be from my meds or the combo of them? What about side effects from any of them? I can't believe how fast I am going downhill. What is my prognosis? I am depressed about this and don't know whether I want to live or can for that matter.

Right now, the dry mouth is the worst. I have tried several things already with no difference. I may have to go on more medicine for the joint pain, and I have no spit in my mouth, which makes for a miserable life. I am at my wits' end. Please advise.

Reply: I am not a rheumatologist so cannot give you specific advice. I am unclear about what is happening to your body. For some reason, your immune system has suddenly switched into overdrive and appears to be attacking several areas.

I urge you to express you concerns to your rheumatologist, who will be your best resource for information. He or she should be able to answer your questions better than I can.

In my opinion, your best course of action would be to begin immunosuppressant medication. This should reduce or even stop your body's reactions.

Unfortunately, unless the underlying cause is found, you may require lifelong treatment. Speak with the specialist, and get the answers you need. The sooner treatment is started, the better you should feel.

Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet' and 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook'. Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 10016.