How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
I have good days and bad days. I've had Sjögren's since about 1992 and have been misunderstood by medical providers. I recently learned I am seronegative Sjögren's making diagnosis much more difficult. I am proactive with my health and I do stay positive despite dryness, fatigue and joint discomfort.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
I have gained an understanding that I am not alone with diagnosis frustration.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I see a very good rheumatologist and am working to educate my PCP. I am appreciating the Sjögren's Foundation.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To be patient with the disease. I am learning what makes me more comfortable.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I wish people had a better understanding of the complications of Sjögren's and advocate for ways to mitigate the complications.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Gain as much knowledge from your provider and from the Sjögren's Foundation. Ask questions about your lab reports.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Being proactive with your healthcare. Stay positive. Recognize you will have good days and bad days.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Stay active and adopt a reasonable exercise plan. Be kind to yourself.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
Knowing better days will happen if you do meaningful self-care.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Keep a positive attitude.
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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)?:
I have good days and bad days. I've had Sjögren's since about 1992 and have been misunderstood by medical providers. I recently learned I am seronegative Sjögren's making diagnosis much more difficult. I am proactive with my health and I do stay positive despite dryness, fatigue and joint discomfort.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
I have gained an understanding that I am not alone with diagnosis frustration.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I see a very good rheumatologist and am working to educate my PCP. I am appreciating the Sjögren's Foundation.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To be patient with the disease. I am learning what makes me more comfortable.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I wish people had a better understanding of the complications of Sjögren's and advocate for ways to mitigate the complications.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Gain as much knowledge from your provider and from the Sjögren's Foundation. Ask questions about your lab reports.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Being proactive with your healthcare. Stay positive. Recognize you will have good days and bad days.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Stay active and adopt a reasonable exercise plan. Be kind to yourself.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
Knowing better days will happen if you do meaningful self-care.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Keep a positive attitude.
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month