Kathy 53 (Diagnosed at 52)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That self-advocacy is crucial
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Fatigue, joint pain, dry eyes, dry mouth, brain fog
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
I have only known I have Sjögren's for a short time. It has impacted my life by creating a sense of confusion, fear and anxiety, and isolation. It is really frustrating to feel like I am navigating this alone. I feel guilty and ashamed often. I'm currently looking for a new rheumatologist who is compassionate and knowledgeable.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
I have not yet learned to cope with Sjögren's. But I do have a Sjbgren's journal (Amazon) that is helping me track symptoms and triggers. Joining this foundation has helped me, as well, as I am beginning to learn more about what I am experiencing and that I am not alone.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I wish people knew that my symptoms seem to change weekly and that when I finally say I need to rest my eyes and/or body it means I have already been "pushing through" for too long and really need to rest.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Bedtime rituals for anxiety: a good facial moisturizer, essential oils, and eye mask while listening to Podcasts.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
Eye drops and a chargeable heated eye mask
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Don't give up finding a medical professional who will listen and not dismiss your symptoms.
Click Here for the Resiliency Mindset Journal - 3 Hole Punch (PDF - 122 KB)
Click Here for the Resiliency Mindset Journal - No 3 Hole Punch (PDF - 122 KB)
Kathy 53 (Diagnosed at 52)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That self-advocacy is crucial
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Fatigue, joint pain, dry eyes, dry mouth, brain fog
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
I have only known I have Sjögren's for a short time. It has impacted my life by creating a sense of confusion, fear and anxiety, and isolation. It is really frustrating to feel like I am navigating this alone. I feel guilty and ashamed often. I'm currently looking for a new rheumatologist who is compassionate and knowledgeable.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
I have not yet learned to cope with Sjögren's. But I do have a Sjbgren's journal (Amazon) that is helping me track symptoms and triggers. Joining this foundation has helped me, as well, as I am beginning to learn more about what I am experiencing and that I am not alone.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I wish people knew that my symptoms seem to change weekly and that when I finally say I need to rest my eyes and/or body it means I have already been "pushing through" for too long and really need to rest.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Bedtime rituals for anxiety: a good facial moisturizer, essential oils, and eye mask while listening to Podcasts.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
Eye drops and a chargeable heated eye mask
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Don't give up finding a medical professional who will listen and not dismiss your symptoms.
Click Here for the Resiliency Mindset Journal - 3 Hole Punch (PDF - 122 KB)
Click Here for the Resiliency Mindset Journal - No 3 Hole Punch (PDF - 122 KB)