Lena 42 (Diagnosed at 40)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That I can do hard things.
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Chronic anemia, Pain, vertigo, syncope, neurological symptoms, IBS, weakness, fatigue, exercise intolerance.
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
It's been very difficult emotionally to accept that my life is not entirely the same. I have had to give up things I love and learn the new limits of my body.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
I try to record how I'm feeling each day to get a better understanding of how to manage my symptoms.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
That sometimes you won't know that I'm feeling unwell, and that my illness is mostly invisible.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I have to schedule my day a bit differently. Mornings are difficult and I have learned to listen more to my body and give it what it needs. Even if that means resting more than usual or adjusting my schedule.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
Liquid IV and iron supplements
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Share your story with others so they can see how strong you are. It may inspire them to feel strong too
Lena 42 (Diagnosed at 40)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That I can do hard things.
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Chronic anemia, Pain, vertigo, syncope, neurological symptoms, IBS, weakness, fatigue, exercise intolerance.
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
It's been very difficult emotionally to accept that my life is not entirely the same. I have had to give up things I love and learn the new limits of my body.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
I try to record how I'm feeling each day to get a better understanding of how to manage my symptoms.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
That sometimes you won't know that I'm feeling unwell, and that my illness is mostly invisible.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I have to schedule my day a bit differently. Mornings are difficult and I have learned to listen more to my body and give it what it needs. Even if that means resting more than usual or adjusting my schedule.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
Liquid IV and iron supplements
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Share your story with others so they can see how strong you are. It may inspire them to feel strong too