Skip to main content


Buket

Patient-to-patient topic: 
Concerns about choosing a job and planning life in accordance with the disease.

What do you wish you knew when first dealing with this symptom/situation?
Fighting and acceptance will make you strong.

What are the top 3 over-the-count products or tools you use when dealing with this symptom/situation?
Resting my mind and body, surrounding myself with positive things and engaging in social and cultural activities.

What is your best advice for another patient dealing with this symptom/ situation?
Stop running away from the truth and accept it. Confrontation will increase your self-awareness and help you manage the process. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Do not expect others to feel sorry for you. You are the one who has to be strong. ‘’One thought can change your world.‘’

In a few short sentences, please tell us your story with this symptom and anything additional for advice for another patient going through something similar.
Conducting academic research on the disease and obtaining psychological information that can be useful...If necessary, do not hesitate to seek support from an expert.

Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me..."
Power and struggle. Never give up!

What are your most difficult symptoms?
Dry eyes, joint pain, sensitivity to heat and cold.

What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?
It's a disease that covers the whole body, mentally and physically. It is very difficult to adapt to its management.

How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?
Keeping stress under control. Walking and taking care of my plants. Watching documentaries helps to heal my mind and distract me from negative issues.

How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?
It affected many aspects of my life. My education, my planned work life choices, my daily activities and my personal relationships. I can't stand for long periods of time because of my joint pains, I can't stay in the sun and cold for long periods of time, so I have to make the right choices about my work life.

What is your go-to Sjögren's product?
Chewing sugar-free gum, consuming healthy foods that will strengthen the immune system.

What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?
If your soul sings, you can dance with life. Everything starts with you, if you struggle and accept it, you can manage the disease correctly.