How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Before I was diagnosed, I had such severe joint pain that it was hard to do things, my hips hurt so bad I couldn't walk right. I have chronic fatigue and brain fog. I have dry eyes and mouth that make eating and taking pills difficult.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
I like to see that there are others out there that understand what I am going through. Realizing that some things I have going on are related to this disease and having an 'aha' moment of why it is an issue.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I look up things online and my Rheumatologist.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To take the time I need if feeling tired or not with it. That it is ok to have bad days and get through them.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
That a lot of the little issues I have are related to it, and not just me not wanting to do things or not being able to do them.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Let your doctors know everything that is bothering you so they can help you!
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
It means that when you need to rest or take a break and let your mind settle, do so! You can get through just take the time you need.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I do what I can to take care of my symptoms, I learn to pay attention to what is going on and take care of it.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
To know that eventually it will pass and I will be OK. That I know that there are others out there doing the same thing.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Pay attention to your body and mind and listen, if you need to rest do it!
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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)?:
Before I was diagnosed, I had such severe joint pain that it was hard to do things, my hips hurt so bad I couldn't walk right. I have chronic fatigue and brain fog. I have dry eyes and mouth that make eating and taking pills difficult.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
I like to see that there are others out there that understand what I am going through. Realizing that some things I have going on are related to this disease and having an 'aha' moment of why it is an issue.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I look up things online and my Rheumatologist.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To take the time I need if feeling tired or not with it. That it is ok to have bad days and get through them.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
That a lot of the little issues I have are related to it, and not just me not wanting to do things or not being able to do them.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Let your doctors know everything that is bothering you so they can help you!
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
It means that when you need to rest or take a break and let your mind settle, do so! You can get through just take the time you need.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I do what I can to take care of my symptoms, I learn to pay attention to what is going on and take care of it.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
To know that eventually it will pass and I will be OK. That I know that there are others out there doing the same thing.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Pay attention to your body and mind and listen, if you need to rest do it!
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month