How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Sjögrens makes it really hard for me to run and play.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
It has helped me learn new ways to manage my symptoms.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
Support groups or Sjögren's Foundation
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That I am stronger than I think.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I may look fine on the outside but on the inside I hurt and I'm tired.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Do what works for you.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Don’t let it stop you from doing what you want.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I make sure to tell my parents how I am feeling so they can get me what I need.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
I am better than Sjögren's and I am not going down without a fight.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Never give up.
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month
Patient-to-Patient
Topic: Dry Eye
What do you wish you knew when first dealing with this symptom/situation?:
That it looks like an allergic reaction.
What are the top 3 over-the-counter products or tools you use when dealing with this symptom/situation?:
Cold packs, eye drops and drinking lots of fluids.
What is your best advice for another patient dealing with this symptom/ situation?:
Don’t use visine, it make it worse.
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.:
I was diagnosed at 5 years old. I had severe redness under my eyes and it felt like sand was in them. I also got huge bumps in my parotid glands that were very painful. This disease is hard to manage but I have very good doctors and my mom and dad to help me.
Click Here to Read More Patient-to-Patient Stories
How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Sjögrens makes it really hard for me to run and play.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
It has helped me learn new ways to manage my symptoms.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
Support groups or Sjögren's Foundation
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That I am stronger than I think.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I may look fine on the outside but on the inside I hurt and I'm tired.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Do what works for you.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Don’t let it stop you from doing what you want.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I make sure to tell my parents how I am feeling so they can get me what I need.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
I am better than Sjögren's and I am not going down without a fight.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Never give up.
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month
Patient-to-Patient
Topic: Dry Eye
What do you wish you knew when first dealing with this symptom/situation?:
That it looks like an allergic reaction.
What are the top 3 over-the-counter products or tools you use when dealing with this symptom/situation?:
Cold packs, eye drops and drinking lots of fluids.
What is your best advice for another patient dealing with this symptom/ situation?:
Don’t use visine, it make it worse.
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.:
I was diagnosed at 5 years old. I had severe redness under my eyes and it felt like sand was in them. I also got huge bumps in my parotid glands that were very painful. This disease is hard to manage but I have very good doctors and my mom and dad to help me.
Click Here to Read More Patient-to-Patient Stories