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Kim

"Since I was diagnosed with Sjögren's, I have learned..."

 

 

 

 

When I was diagnosed with Sjögren’s, my 1st thought was; what is Sjögren’s?
I had flu like symptoms and major fatigue with swollen tender lymph nodes in my neck that would not respond to different antibiotics for several months. Then, one of the antibiotics (sulfa type) seemed to cause my joints to freeze up. They did an RA lab test that came back positive. I was referred to a Rhuematologist, with further testing, labs showing strongly positive to connective tissue disease and Sjögren’s in 2007. Later I was also diagnosed with autoimmune Hashimoto’s and with that came the knowledge that most auto immune diseases have companion auto immune diseases.

I did not experience dry eyes or dry mouth for a couple years and basically limited dry mouth now and moderate dry eyes, since the diagnosis 13 years ago.

My body is actually fighting my own body as my anti-bodies are working hard all the time.
The fatigue is invisible - it can feel like an un-resolvable pain throughout my body accompanied with migraines, while I look normal.

My limits, are my limits - those around me may not understand, when I push past those limits there is a recovery time at home alone.

Sometimes I just stay home with depression, thinking I disappoint.
God knows - I rest. I ride.
My motorcycle - it seems to revive me with a burst of freedom.
I am a Pastor’s wife - I come along side my husband in loving a church body and ministry the best my body allows, not like before, but with my limits.