Tracey 53 (Diagnosed at 43)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To listen to my body and learn to say no.
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Fatigue, joint pain, gastroparesis
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
I no longer work, need to nap most days, and learn to pace myself. I also an a type 1 diabetic (42yrs) and have fibromyalgia. So joint pain and soft tissue pain are a daily concern.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
I've started yoga, have tried to eliminate triggering foods. I can no longer take NSAIDs, so still looking for ways to combat pain.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I've had people look at me funny when I park in handicapped spots (I have a plackard) or use ride-on carts. I look normal, but the constant pain are "invisible." I share Sjögren's Foundation on Facebook, to help educate people on this.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I've learned to pace my activities. I had to give up volunteer work, spread housecleaning over the week, keep lotion nearby, as well as nasal spray, chapstick, and gum.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
Biotene, saline nasal spray, and refresh eye drops. Hydrochloroquine.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Download and print the sympton checker from the Foundation. I keep daily track of symptoms for my Rheumatologist. Find a Rheumatologist that is well versed in Sjögren's.
Click here to download the Sjögren's Foundation Symptom Tracker
Tracey 53 (Diagnosed at 43)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To listen to my body and learn to say no.
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Fatigue, joint pain, gastroparesis
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
I no longer work, need to nap most days, and learn to pace myself. I also an a type 1 diabetic (42yrs) and have fibromyalgia. So joint pain and soft tissue pain are a daily concern.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
I've started yoga, have tried to eliminate triggering foods. I can no longer take NSAIDs, so still looking for ways to combat pain.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I've had people look at me funny when I park in handicapped spots (I have a plackard) or use ride-on carts. I look normal, but the constant pain are "invisible." I share Sjögren's Foundation on Facebook, to help educate people on this.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I've learned to pace my activities. I had to give up volunteer work, spread housecleaning over the week, keep lotion nearby, as well as nasal spray, chapstick, and gum.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
Biotene, saline nasal spray, and refresh eye drops. Hydrochloroquine.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Download and print the sympton checker from the Foundation. I keep daily track of symptoms for my Rheumatologist. Find a Rheumatologist that is well versed in Sjögren's.
Click here to download the Sjögren's Foundation Symptom Tracker