Derrick
Patient-to-patient topic:
The Systemic Symptoms of Sjögren's
What do you wish you knew when first dealing with this symptom/situation?
It's not just in my head!
What are the top 3 over-the-count products or tools you use when dealing with this symptom/situation?
Cereve skin products for dry skin, XyliMelts for dry mouth, and DreamPad Sound Pillow for sleep
What is your best advice for another patient dealing with this symptom/ situation?
Find another doctor if he/she blames you for your symptoms or says it's just in your head.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me..."
Finding balance between pushing myself and giving myself grace, be intentional with rest/sleep, be cognizant of triggers (stress, sunlight, certain foods).
What are your most difficult symptoms?
Fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, various side effects from medications
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?
It's not just dry eyes, mouth, nose or skin. It's systemic and affects multiple organs (liver, heart, kidneys, bladder, lungs, veins, etc.)
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?
Still learning to take breaks when I need them.
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?
I'm not invincible, but being stubborn has it's benefits (helping overcome obstacles).
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?
It's okay to not be okay. But never give up.
Derrick
Patient-to-patient topic:
The Systemic Symptoms of Sjögren's
What do you wish you knew when first dealing with this symptom/situation?
It's not just in my head!
What are the top 3 over-the-count products or tools you use when dealing with this symptom/situation?
Cereve skin products for dry skin, XyliMelts for dry mouth, and DreamPad Sound Pillow for sleep
What is your best advice for another patient dealing with this symptom/ situation?
Find another doctor if he/she blames you for your symptoms or says it's just in your head.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me..."
Finding balance between pushing myself and giving myself grace, be intentional with rest/sleep, be cognizant of triggers (stress, sunlight, certain foods).
What are your most difficult symptoms?
Fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, various side effects from medications
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?
It's not just dry eyes, mouth, nose or skin. It's systemic and affects multiple organs (liver, heart, kidneys, bladder, lungs, veins, etc.)
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?
Still learning to take breaks when I need them.
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?
I'm not invincible, but being stubborn has it's benefits (helping overcome obstacles).
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?
It's okay to not be okay. But never give up.