How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
At first I thought it was just a small side note in my disease because my RA was active and was overriding everything, or so I thought. Now that we have my RA more under control, my SjD is a monster. I can have such a dry mouth that I can’t even swallow and I will become fearful. I am so fatigued I can’t get through the evening without needing a nap. My joints are very painful and just feel very stiff. I have a chronic cough due to the dryness in my lungs. And my kidneys are starting to act up. It’s just not a fun thing to deal with.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
I haven’t really been able to connect with anyone directly but reading others stories is very encouraging.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
Oklahoma Arthritis Center
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To slow down and finds the things that can help me feel better.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
That it’s not just someone complaining about dry mouth or dry eyes.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Don’t blow it off as something that is no big deal.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Listening to your body and doing the things you can when you can and altering the things when you need to.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I use red light for muscle help and hydro massage so that my muscles are not manipulated to strongly.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
My family.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Be positive.
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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)?:
At first I thought it was just a small side note in my disease because my RA was active and was overriding everything, or so I thought. Now that we have my RA more under control, my SjD is a monster. I can have such a dry mouth that I can’t even swallow and I will become fearful. I am so fatigued I can’t get through the evening without needing a nap. My joints are very painful and just feel very stiff. I have a chronic cough due to the dryness in my lungs. And my kidneys are starting to act up. It’s just not a fun thing to deal with.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
I haven’t really been able to connect with anyone directly but reading others stories is very encouraging.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
Oklahoma Arthritis Center
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To slow down and finds the things that can help me feel better.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
That it’s not just someone complaining about dry mouth or dry eyes.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Don’t blow it off as something that is no big deal.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Listening to your body and doing the things you can when you can and altering the things when you need to.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I use red light for muscle help and hydro massage so that my muscles are not manipulated to strongly.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
My family.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Be positive.
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month