The start of a new year is a natural time to pause, take stock, and think about your health goals. For people with Sjögren’s, regular check-ins with your care team can help you stay ahead of symptoms and spot changes early.
Sjögren’s care can be expensive and require lots of time and energy, and trying to do everything at once can feel overwhelming. If cost or time is a barrier, focus first on the steps that help prevent the biggest problems later. For example, preventive dental care and fluoride treatments can cost less now than managing cavities and restorative procedures later. Do what you can, and build from there over time.
Also, it is completely normal if you do not check every box every year. This checklist is here to help you prioritize and plan, not to add pressure.
Key Checkups to Put on the Calendar
Before your year fills up, plan ahead for the annual appointments that keep your health on track whether for your Sjögren’s or your general health. These visits give you and your care team a chance to check in on symptoms, adjust treatments, and make sure you’re getting the support you need. Here are the key appointments to consider scheduling this year (and every year!).
This checklist is meant to support all parts of your health: Sjögren’s specific care, routine preventive care for the rest of your body, and mental well-being. Many people end up doing only the Sjögren’s related visits because they are managing symptoms, so consider this a reminder to care for your whole health too!
Routine Core Visits For Many People With Sjögren’s
These providers often make up the foundation of your yearly plan.
- Primary Care Provider: Schedule a primary care visit to review medicines, preventive screenings, and any new symptoms. This is also an opportunity to get non-Sjögren’s care and screenings, like testing your cholesterol and blood sugar. And your doctor can help to keep your whole care team aligned for the year ahead.
- Rheumatologist: It’s important for a rheumatologist to monitor systemic involvement and adjust your treatment as needed. Make sure to talk through your flare patterns, joint pain, fatigue, and any changes in dryness.
- Eye Care Provider (Optometrist or Ophthalmologist): Regular eye exams can catch dryness-related issues early and make sure your current treatments are working. If your dry eye is more severe, or if you have other eye conditions that need monitoring as you age, you may benefit from seeing an ophthalmologist. Optometrists also frequently manage dry eye patients and, in many states, can prescribe dry eye therapies. Ask whether additional testing, like tear production tests, could help guide your care. If you take hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), talk with your eye care provider about the right monitoring plan for you, including tests like a visual field test, and whether you should be seen more than once a year.
- Dentist: Regular dental visits help prevent cavities and infections linked to dry mouth. Ask your dentist about prescription fluoride toothpaste, which many people with Sjögren’s benefit from. If you have more severe dry mouth or frequent cavities, ask whether fluoride gel and remineralizing or mineralizing products could help protect your teeth. Share any new dryness or sensitivity so your dentist can tailor prevention and comfort strategies. Some people with Sjögren’s do better with more frequent preventive visits, such as cleanings every 3 to 4 months. Ask your dentist what schedule fits your risk and symptoms.
- Gynecologist (for those who need one): Schedule a yearly visit to address dryness, hormonal changes, and recommended screenings, like Pap tests or mammograms. It’s also a chance to talk about comfort, including any concerns that affect your intimate life, and ask about options that may help.
Other Specialists, Based On Your Symptoms And Referrals
Depending on how Sjögren’s affects you, your primary care provider or rheumatologist may recommend additional specialists. These might include, but aren’t confined to:
- Dermatologist: Dryness, rashes, and skin changes can all show up with Sjögren’s. Get a yearly skin check to help you manage symptoms and monitor any new or changing spots.
- Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Doctor or Allergist: If you deal with sinus issues, throat dryness, or allergies, these visits can help you stay comfortable. Work with these professionals to monitor recurring concerns and find options for relief.
- Cardiologist (heart doctor): Some people with Sjögren’s may need heart-related care, especially if they have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a history of heart disease. A cardiologist can help monitor heart health, evaluate symptoms, and manage risks over time.
- Pulmonologist (lung doctor): Sjögren’s disease can sometimes affect the lungs, not just the eyes and mouth. This may show up as a chronic dry cough, shortness of breath, or frequent respiratory infections, even if symptoms seem mild at first. In some people, Sjögren’s can cause inflammation in the airways or lung tissue. A pulmonologist can help evaluate breathing symptoms, order lung function tests or imaging if needed, and guide care if lung involvement is suspected.
- Nephrologist (kidney doctor): Sjögren’s disease can affect the kidneys in some people, often without clear symptoms early on. A nephrologist can help monitor kidney function, explain test results, and address concerns before problems become more serious.
- Gastroenterologist (GI doctor): Sjögren’s can affect the digestive system, not just the mouth and eyes. A gastroenterologist can help evaluate persistent digestive issues, determine whether they may be related to Sjögren’s, and recommend treatments to improve comfort and nutrition.
- Neurologist (nerve doctor): Sjögren’s can involve the nervous system in some people. This may show up as numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness, balance issues, headaches, or problems with concentration or memory. These symptoms can vary from mild to more disruptive. A neurologist can help assess whether nerve involvement may be contributing to your symptoms and support symptom management if neurological issues are part of your Sjögren’s experience.
Tips for Planning and Preparing for Appointments
A little preparation can go a long way toward helping you make every moment with the doctor count:
- Schedule early when you can as many specialists book out weeks or months in advance, so getting on the calendar helps you keep momentum.
- Share your symptoms log and note any changes since your last visit, including what’s working and what your concerns are
- Bring a list of your medications, including over-the-counter products, supplements, and eye or oral care product
- Write down your questions ahead of time — that’ll help you make sure you get answers before your appointment’s over
- Ask providers to share notes or updates with your other specialists so your care team stays connected
- Consider spacing appointments throughout the year to avoid feeling overwhelmed
If it’s helpful, ask a trusted person, like a family member or close friend, to join you for appointments — they can take notes, help you remember questions, and offer support when discussing next steps.
Supporting Your Well-Being Beyond Appointments
Managing Sjögren’s isn’t only about what happens in the doctor’s office. Daily habits can make a meaningful difference in how you feel throughout the year. At the same time, self-care can be exhausting, especially when you are managing a chronic disease. Do your best and choose what feels most doable. When you are deciding which appointments or habits to prioritize, it can help to talk with your rheumatologist or primary care provider about what is most important for your health. Making these choices together can help ensure you are not skipping something that is critical for your individual situation, while still caring for the non Sjögren’s parts of your health too.
- Keep a symptoms log: Track any changes in dryness, fatigue, other symptoms (like neuropathies), and flares to help you and your providers get a better picture of your health. Even brief notes on what changed, when it happened, and what helped can help you get the most out of your appointments.
- Build a gentle movement routine: Movement can support joint health, overcome fatigue, maintain flexibility, and help with brain fog. Keep in mind that movement doesn’t have to be intense — walking, stretching, yoga, or low-impact exercise can help you feel better day to day. Be sure your routine includes simple strength exercises, like using weights or resistance bands, to help keep your muscles strong as you age.
- Refresh your skin care habits: Daily moisturizing can help prevent skin irritation and discomfort. Using a humidifier at home, especially in the winter, can also keep your skin, nasal passages, and eyes more comfortable. If you spend time outdoors, add daily sunscreen to help protect your skin.
- Keep up with eye and oral care: Drinking water regularly, using saliva-support products (look for products with xylitol), and following your eye care plan can make ongoing dryness easier to manage. These habits can reduce irritation and support long-term comfort. If dry mouth is a major issue for you, ask your dentist about prescription fluoride toothpaste, fluoride gel, and remineralizing products to help lower cavity risk.
- Check in on your mental well-being: Living with a chronic condition can be draining. Take a moment to ask yourself how you’re coping — and whether talking with family, friends, a counselor, or a support group could help you feel more supported.
- Practice gratitude and meditation: Meditation is a simple, evidence-based way to reduce stress and support your emotional and physical well-being. Adding a quick gratitude practice can help you feel more balanced and resilient. Try using this mindset journal worksheet to get started.
Putting Your Health First in the New Year
A new year’s beginning is the perfect time to hit pause and put your health first. Scheduling a few key appointments now can help you feel prepared, supported, and ready for whatever the year ahead brings. You don’t have to manage Sjögren’s alone — your care team, loved ones, and the Sjögren’s Foundation are here to help you move forward with confidence.
The start of a new year is a natural time to pause, take stock, and think about your health goals. For people with Sjögren’s, regular check-ins with your care team can help you stay ahead of symptoms and spot changes early.
Sjögren’s care can be expensive and require lots of time and energy, and trying to do everything at once can feel overwhelming. If cost or time is a barrier, focus first on the steps that help prevent the biggest problems later. For example, preventive dental care and fluoride treatments can cost less now than managing cavities and restorative procedures later. Do what you can, and build from there over time.
Also, it is completely normal if you do not check every box every year. This checklist is here to help you prioritize and plan, not to add pressure.
Key Checkups to Put on the Calendar
Before your year fills up, plan ahead for the annual appointments that keep your health on track whether for your Sjögren’s or your general health. These visits give you and your care team a chance to check in on symptoms, adjust treatments, and make sure you’re getting the support you need. Here are the key appointments to consider scheduling this year (and every year!).
This checklist is meant to support all parts of your health: Sjögren’s specific care, routine preventive care for the rest of your body, and mental well-being. Many people end up doing only the Sjögren’s related visits because they are managing symptoms, so consider this a reminder to care for your whole health too!
Routine Core Visits For Many People With Sjögren’s
These providers often make up the foundation of your yearly plan.
Other Specialists, Based On Your Symptoms And Referrals
Depending on how Sjögren’s affects you, your primary care provider or rheumatologist may recommend additional specialists. These might include, but aren’t confined to:
Tips for Planning and Preparing for Appointments
A little preparation can go a long way toward helping you make every moment with the doctor count:
If it’s helpful, ask a trusted person, like a family member or close friend, to join you for appointments — they can take notes, help you remember questions, and offer support when discussing next steps.
Supporting Your Well-Being Beyond Appointments
Managing Sjögren’s isn’t only about what happens in the doctor’s office. Daily habits can make a meaningful difference in how you feel throughout the year. At the same time, self-care can be exhausting, especially when you are managing a chronic disease. Do your best and choose what feels most doable. When you are deciding which appointments or habits to prioritize, it can help to talk with your rheumatologist or primary care provider about what is most important for your health. Making these choices together can help ensure you are not skipping something that is critical for your individual situation, while still caring for the non Sjögren’s parts of your health too.
Putting Your Health First in the New Year
A new year’s beginning is the perfect time to hit pause and put your health first. Scheduling a few key appointments now can help you feel prepared, supported, and ready for whatever the year ahead brings. You don’t have to manage Sjögren’s alone — your care team, loved ones, and the Sjögren’s Foundation are here to help you move forward with confidence.