How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Sjögren's has had a significant impact on my physical health. In addition to dry eyes and dry mouth, I deal with fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain/swelling. I end up getting cavities often, I have scarring in my right eye, and I have sun sensitivity. It definitely gets me down sometimes thinking about what life would be like without this disease, but I try to keep positive!
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
It's been so helpful getting to hear others share their experiences. When I was first diagnosed, finding a community helped me navigate the diagnosis and learn tips and tricks for managing symptoms.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
The Sjögren's Foundation has also been a vaulable resource in learning about Sjögren's. I've found some great support groups that help me feel less alone. I'm also lucky to have a partner who has supported me through everything, and (sometimes literally) helps carry me through the rough days.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To look for the good things in life.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
Just like with any other invisible illness, I just wish that our symptoms weren't so easily dismissed by others. Some days I'm moving slow, I'm having trouble talking, or I just need a day of rest, and that's due to a disease I can't control. A little patience goes a long way.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Don't lose hope. It's very overwhelming when you're first diagnosed, but it's the first step to feeling better. Lean on your support system and take your time learning about Sjögren's and everything it entails- it's a lot to take in. But it does get better!
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Thriving to me is being able to enjoy my life, my career, and my hobbies as much as I can. I've absolutely had to make adjustments to my life, but I'm grateful that I'm as close to "normal" as I can be these days.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Stress and overexertion are major factors in causing my flares. I do my best to take time to relax and unwind at the end of each day. I try to eat healthy, stay active (without overdoing it), and practice gratitude to stay optimistic.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
I want to keep going for those around me. I push through the hard days to be there for my family, my friends, and my many pets!
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Stay positive and find what works best for you. It takes trial and error, but it is possible to manage your symptoms and possible to live a relatively normal life. Also, take your water bottle everywhere;)
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Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month
How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Sjögren's has had a significant impact on my physical health. In addition to dry eyes and dry mouth, I deal with fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain/swelling. I end up getting cavities often, I have scarring in my right eye, and I have sun sensitivity. It definitely gets me down sometimes thinking about what life would be like without this disease, but I try to keep positive!
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
It's been so helpful getting to hear others share their experiences. When I was first diagnosed, finding a community helped me navigate the diagnosis and learn tips and tricks for managing symptoms.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
The Sjögren's Foundation has also been a vaulable resource in learning about Sjögren's. I've found some great support groups that help me feel less alone. I'm also lucky to have a partner who has supported me through everything, and (sometimes literally) helps carry me through the rough days.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To look for the good things in life.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
Just like with any other invisible illness, I just wish that our symptoms weren't so easily dismissed by others. Some days I'm moving slow, I'm having trouble talking, or I just need a day of rest, and that's due to a disease I can't control. A little patience goes a long way.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Don't lose hope. It's very overwhelming when you're first diagnosed, but it's the first step to feeling better. Lean on your support system and take your time learning about Sjögren's and everything it entails- it's a lot to take in. But it does get better!
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Thriving to me is being able to enjoy my life, my career, and my hobbies as much as I can. I've absolutely had to make adjustments to my life, but I'm grateful that I'm as close to "normal" as I can be these days.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Stress and overexertion are major factors in causing my flares. I do my best to take time to relax and unwind at the end of each day. I try to eat healthy, stay active (without overdoing it), and practice gratitude to stay optimistic.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
I want to keep going for those around me. I push through the hard days to be there for my family, my friends, and my many pets!
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Stay positive and find what works best for you. It takes trial and error, but it is possible to manage your symptoms and possible to live a relatively normal life. Also, take your water bottle everywhere;)
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month