How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
I have always had dry eyes and mouth. I have stints of pretty bad joint pain. But recently my Sjögren’s caused inflammation in my kidneys. I now have lost some of my kidney function and I will never get it back. I spend a lot of money on my dental work. It can be mentally exhausting having to deal with so many aspects of Sjögren’s. It can really hurt your mental health at times.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
It is nice to hear that I’m not alone. Sjögren’s affects people in so many different ways.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I have the greatest support system. My friends and family have helped me through the past year and a half of dealing with my kidney issues. I also have an amazing medical team who have been helping me through it.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To take time for myself. It’s okay to say no to things if your body can’t handle it.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
For me personally, I deal with effects of Sjögren’s every day. I don’t talk about them. But just know that even if you can’t hear it or see it, people can still have things going on.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Stay consistent with your check ups. You never know when Sjögren’s could be affecting organs or other parts of the body. Early detection creates a better outcome with treatment.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
I think it is when you get to the goals you are wanting, even with the limitations Sjögren’s causes. It may take longer, but you will get there.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I say no to doing things a lot more. When my body is telling me to rest, I listen. I didn’t for so many years and I was so tired and in pain.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
My family and friends. I feel like they see more potential in me than I do on my hard days. I don’t know what I would do without them.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Rest when you need it. Don’t overdo 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)?:
I have always had dry eyes and mouth. I have stints of pretty bad joint pain. But recently my Sjögren’s caused inflammation in my kidneys. I now have lost some of my kidney function and I will never get it back. I spend a lot of money on my dental work. It can be mentally exhausting having to deal with so many aspects of Sjögren’s. It can really hurt your mental health at times.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
It is nice to hear that I’m not alone. Sjögren’s affects people in so many different ways.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I have the greatest support system. My friends and family have helped me through the past year and a half of dealing with my kidney issues. I also have an amazing medical team who have been helping me through it.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To take time for myself. It’s okay to say no to things if your body can’t handle it.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
For me personally, I deal with effects of Sjögren’s every day. I don’t talk about them. But just know that even if you can’t hear it or see it, people can still have things going on.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Stay consistent with your check ups. You never know when Sjögren’s could be affecting organs or other parts of the body. Early detection creates a better outcome with treatment.
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
I think it is when you get to the goals you are wanting, even with the limitations Sjögren’s causes. It may take longer, but you will get there.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I say no to doing things a lot more. When my body is telling me to rest, I listen. I didn’t for so many years and I was so tired and in pain.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
My family and friends. I feel like they see more potential in me than I do on my hard days. I don’t know what I would do without them.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Rest when you need it. Don’t overdo it.
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month