Carmen 46
Patient-to-patient topic: Neurological Issues with Sjögren's
My symptoms started in 2007 with a virus. I had mild dry eye but horrible nervous system issues. My disease was very similar to MS disease. I woke up one day with numbness, tingling, weakness, and severe fatigue. It took me 14 years to get a diagnosis. I wish more Rheumatologists and Neurologists were educated on how Sjögren’s can attack the body. I had to fight really hard for myself to get a diagnosis.
Most difficult symptoms: Dry eye, vertigo, nausea, weakness, fatigue, numbness, GI symptons
How has Sjögren's impacted my life: Sjögren’s has changed my life in every way. I have lost a lot of things because of going so long without a diagnosis or treatment. I have had to learn to take care of myself. It’s ok to put yourself first.
What do I wish you knew when first dealing with this symptom/situation?: I wish more doctors were educated on Sjögren’s Disease and how it effects the body
How do I incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's: I try to eat healthy, it makes a huge difference in my symptoms.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip? Always listen to your body. Pushing too hard could cause a flare.
Carmen 46
Patient-to-patient topic: Neurological Issues with Sjögren's
My symptoms started in 2007 with a virus. I had mild dry eye but horrible nervous system issues. My disease was very similar to MS disease. I woke up one day with numbness, tingling, weakness, and severe fatigue. It took me 14 years to get a diagnosis. I wish more Rheumatologists and Neurologists were educated on how Sjögren’s can attack the body. I had to fight really hard for myself to get a diagnosis.
Most difficult symptoms: Dry eye, vertigo, nausea, weakness, fatigue, numbness, GI symptons
How has Sjögren's impacted my life: Sjögren’s has changed my life in every way. I have lost a lot of things because of going so long without a diagnosis or treatment. I have had to learn to take care of myself. It’s ok to put yourself first.
What do I wish you knew when first dealing with this symptom/situation?: I wish more doctors were educated on Sjögren’s Disease and how it effects the body
How do I incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's: I try to eat healthy, it makes a huge difference in my symptoms.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip? Always listen to your body. Pushing too hard could cause a flare.