How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
My struggle with Sjögren's started at 13 when I felt like my throat was swelling. I went to countless doctors and heard doctors everything under the sun besides Sjögren's, but mainly that I was young and healthy, but I didn’t feel young and healthy on the inside. This disease has impacted my mental state because I’ve felt extremely isolated trying to explain it for 17 years. Today I struggle with chronic fatigue, joint pain and swelling in my throat and body. It’s been a challenge the majority of my life, but I have lived with it and learned to have more patience with my body. It can still do amazing things despite this disease.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
My connection to the Sjögrens community is a new one, seeing other people in my age group with Sjögrens has helped me feel less alone.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I go to my husband, my dogs and my friends.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
Although Sjögren's impacts my physical state, I think it’s taught me more about my mind. I’m grateful for the mental endurance to overcome things despite Sjögrens. It does not define me or what I can do.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
It doesn’t have to be a constant downhill. Your mindset matters and even in times where you feel alone, you never really are. There’s always someone out there experiencing something similar.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Find good providers who listen to you. Trust your gut and don’t minimize your symptoms because you’re anxious of the outcome.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Still living a normal life despite this illness. Being fully aware of its impact, accepting it and still achieving what you want in life.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Throughout the years I found little things that have helped. I have xylitol spray by my bed side, I get lymphatic drainage massages and I do acupuncture once a month. With exercise I listen to my body. I do a lot of low impact exercise and that’s what feels best for me. Listen to your body, it knows what’s best!
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
My husband, my family and friends and my dogs. My husband has been my rock whenever I don’t feel good and I’m very grateful for him.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Trust yourself. You know how you’re feeling and listen to that. Be kind to your body & mind because it’s still capable of great things.
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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)?:
My struggle with Sjögren's started at 13 when I felt like my throat was swelling. I went to countless doctors and heard doctors everything under the sun besides Sjögren's, but mainly that I was young and healthy, but I didn’t feel young and healthy on the inside. This disease has impacted my mental state because I’ve felt extremely isolated trying to explain it for 17 years. Today I struggle with chronic fatigue, joint pain and swelling in my throat and body. It’s been a challenge the majority of my life, but I have lived with it and learned to have more patience with my body. It can still do amazing things despite this disease.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
My connection to the Sjögrens community is a new one, seeing other people in my age group with Sjögrens has helped me feel less alone.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I go to my husband, my dogs and my friends.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
Although Sjögren's impacts my physical state, I think it’s taught me more about my mind. I’m grateful for the mental endurance to overcome things despite Sjögrens. It does not define me or what I can do.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
It doesn’t have to be a constant downhill. Your mindset matters and even in times where you feel alone, you never really are. There’s always someone out there experiencing something similar.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Find good providers who listen to you. Trust your gut and don’t minimize your symptoms because you’re anxious of the outcome.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
Still living a normal life despite this illness. Being fully aware of its impact, accepting it and still achieving what you want in life.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
Throughout the years I found little things that have helped. I have xylitol spray by my bed side, I get lymphatic drainage massages and I do acupuncture once a month. With exercise I listen to my body. I do a lot of low impact exercise and that’s what feels best for me. Listen to your body, it knows what’s best!
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
My husband, my family and friends and my dogs. My husband has been my rock whenever I don’t feel good and I’m very grateful for him.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Trust yourself. You know how you’re feeling and listen to that. Be kind to your body & mind because it’s still capable of great things.
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month