How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Sjögren's changed everything; my body, my wallet. It's more than dryness and fatigue. It's a fighting to function while the world can't see your battle. It forced me to slow down, listen to my body, and tap into my healing path. Some days it broke me, but it also woke me up. If you're living with this...you're not alone, and you are stronger than you think.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
Connecting with others living with Sjögren's, especially my uncle, has been everything. He understood the flares, the fatigue, the emotional roller coaster. It gave me the comfort I didn't know I needed. Just knowing I wasn't alone changed my whole outlook.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
For support with Sjögren's , I start with my rheumatologist, and of course my uncle, who's walked this path too. He's been a source of comfort and understanding since day one. I also lean on the family I come from and the family I created. Espescially my bf Shane, who stands with me through every flare and fatigue. That's my community. They keep me grounded, supported, and never fighting this alone.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
Sjögren's has taught me how to slow down, listen to my body, and honor my limits without guilt. It showed me the strength in softness, the courage in asking for help, and the beauty of creating a support system that truly sees me. Most of all, it taught me that healing isn't linear...but I'm still worthy in every phase of the journey.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
That I'm not lazy, antisocial, or being dramatic. I'm not trying to be the party pooper who can't drink or coughs everytime there's smoke; it's my condition. I'm managing something invisible but very real, and wish more people understood that just because you can't see it doesn't mean I'm not fighting through it every day.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Take a deep breath. You're not alone. Give yourself grace, this condition forces you to learn your body all over again. Find a rheumatologist you trust, lean on people who get it, and don't be afraid to rest. This journey will teach you to slow down, set boundaries, and protect your peace. It's cool to grieve your old self; but don't forget, this new version of you is stronger, wiser and still worthy of joy.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
To thrive while living with Sjögren's meaning choosing yourself everyday, even when your body feels like it's working against you. It's learning to honor your limits without feeling guilty, finding joy in the small wins, and creating a life that's healing; not drains it. Thriving isn't about "getting back to normal" it's about building a new version of normal that makes space for rest, resilience and real love... for your body, your spirit and your journey.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Self-care with Sjögren's means listening to my body, staying hydrated, resting when I need to, and creating space for peace. Some days it's candles and journaling, other days it's just breathing and being still. It's not selfish. It's survival.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
My kids. Period. Makai, Madison, and my tiny bum DJ. They are my reason, my strength, and my daily reminder that I can't give up, no matter what.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
My best Sjögren's tip? Tiger Balm for the body aches, and eye drops for the dry days....and never leave home without either!
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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 changed everything; my body, my wallet. It's more than dryness and fatigue. It's a fighting to function while the world can't see your battle. It forced me to slow down, listen to my body, and tap into my healing path. Some days it broke me, but it also woke me up. If you're living with this...you're not alone, and you are stronger than you think.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
Connecting with others living with Sjögren's, especially my uncle, has been everything. He understood the flares, the fatigue, the emotional roller coaster. It gave me the comfort I didn't know I needed. Just knowing I wasn't alone changed my whole outlook.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
For support with Sjögren's , I start with my rheumatologist, and of course my uncle, who's walked this path too. He's been a source of comfort and understanding since day one. I also lean on the family I come from and the family I created. Espescially my bf Shane, who stands with me through every flare and fatigue. That's my community. They keep me grounded, supported, and never fighting this alone.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
Sjögren's has taught me how to slow down, listen to my body, and honor my limits without guilt. It showed me the strength in softness, the courage in asking for help, and the beauty of creating a support system that truly sees me. Most of all, it taught me that healing isn't linear...but I'm still worthy in every phase of the journey.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
That I'm not lazy, antisocial, or being dramatic. I'm not trying to be the party pooper who can't drink or coughs everytime there's smoke; it's my condition. I'm managing something invisible but very real, and wish more people understood that just because you can't see it doesn't mean I'm not fighting through it every day.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Take a deep breath. You're not alone. Give yourself grace, this condition forces you to learn your body all over again. Find a rheumatologist you trust, lean on people who get it, and don't be afraid to rest. This journey will teach you to slow down, set boundaries, and protect your peace. It's cool to grieve your old self; but don't forget, this new version of you is stronger, wiser and still worthy of joy.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
To thrive while living with Sjögren's meaning choosing yourself everyday, even when your body feels like it's working against you. It's learning to honor your limits without feeling guilty, finding joy in the small wins, and creating a life that's healing; not drains it. Thriving isn't about "getting back to normal" it's about building a new version of normal that makes space for rest, resilience and real love... for your body, your spirit and your journey.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Self-care with Sjögren's means listening to my body, staying hydrated, resting when I need to, and creating space for peace. Some days it's candles and journaling, other days it's just breathing and being still. It's not selfish. It's survival.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
My kids. Period. Makai, Madison, and my tiny bum DJ. They are my reason, my strength, and my daily reminder that I can't give up, no matter what.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
My best Sjögren's tip? Tiger Balm for the body aches, and eye drops for the dry days....and never leave home without either!
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month