Jd 33 (Diagnosed age not provided)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To hold fast to this truth: “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.” - John 11:4
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Debilitating pain, chronic fatigue, memory/brain fog, numbness/weakness, flare ups, dry mouth, heart problems, migraines, nausea & vomiting
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Sjögren’s has heavily impacted every area of life. I have spent more months bedridden than out in the ocean, traveling, dancing, serving at church, social events and being with loved ones. It’s very difficult to get my body to show up the way my heart does for people, places, and responsibilities. I have found myself seeing 10+ doctors weekly and/or regularly. There is very little known support so my primary doctor recommended me filing for permanent disability.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
My faith & giving attention to my needs in every moment of every day through research, application, and sharing.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I may look normal on the outside, but my body is fighting every day. Sjögren’s is an invisible illness that attacks every part of my body. It’s not just dry mouth & eyes. It’s a full-time job managing debilitating symptoms. So, I never know what my day will look like. When you see me, just know it took a lot for me to show up. When I get home, recovery is a different story.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Self-care is a must. It has become a lifestyle and a daily choice. Every day looks different. Whatever my body & spirit needs, I prioritize that.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
If you want to pour yourself onto others & the things you love, you have to fill your cup.
Jd 33 (Diagnosed age not provided)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To hold fast to this truth: “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.” - John 11:4
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Debilitating pain, chronic fatigue, memory/brain fog, numbness/weakness, flare ups, dry mouth, heart problems, migraines, nausea & vomiting
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Sjögren’s has heavily impacted every area of life. I have spent more months bedridden than out in the ocean, traveling, dancing, serving at church, social events and being with loved ones. It’s very difficult to get my body to show up the way my heart does for people, places, and responsibilities. I have found myself seeing 10+ doctors weekly and/or regularly. There is very little known support so my primary doctor recommended me filing for permanent disability.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
My faith & giving attention to my needs in every moment of every day through research, application, and sharing.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I may look normal on the outside, but my body is fighting every day. Sjögren’s is an invisible illness that attacks every part of my body. It’s not just dry mouth & eyes. It’s a full-time job managing debilitating symptoms. So, I never know what my day will look like. When you see me, just know it took a lot for me to show up. When I get home, recovery is a different story.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Self-care is a must. It has become a lifestyle and a daily choice. Every day looks different. Whatever my body & spirit needs, I prioritize that.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
If you want to pour yourself onto others & the things you love, you have to fill your cup.