Daniela 34 (Diagnosed at 25)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That I have to listen to my body. I have a hard time slowing down and thinking of myself. Siögren’s has taught me to listen to my body and always advocate for myself.
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
I have a variety of different symptoms and have a lot of specialists I see. At one point I was seeing 13 different doctors. My symptoms come and go through time and intensity. I think that some of my most difficult symptoms include: memory problems, tingling of body, joint and muscle pain, heat insensitivity, definitely the difficulty breathing and the swelling of my glands.
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Yes, it has impacted my life physically, emotionally and financially. Prior to being diagnosed, I was so ill and constantly in and out of hospitals and doctor appointments. It affected my teaching career and I made a career switch. It also affected my emotionally the first two years. I was so frustrated and hesitant to admit it and talk to anyone about it. I am in a much better place now. I am happy in my career and with my current health.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I wish that people knew that it affects all ages. Most people believe it is only in your 40s but I was in my early 20s with issues due to it. I also wish that people understood that it is so much more than “dry mouth”. Dry mouth is the least of my concerns with disease.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I incorporate exercise to manage my Sjögren’s. It helps me to not only stay sane but it makes me feel physically better.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
I make sure to drink plenty of water and maintain a gluten free diet as well as to take vitamin d supplements.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
My best tip is to always make sure to have water with you and a cooling towel with you for very hot days to avoid being overheated.
Daniela 34 (Diagnosed at 25)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That I have to listen to my body. I have a hard time slowing down and thinking of myself. Siögren’s has taught me to listen to my body and always advocate for myself.
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
I have a variety of different symptoms and have a lot of specialists I see. At one point I was seeing 13 different doctors. My symptoms come and go through time and intensity. I think that some of my most difficult symptoms include: memory problems, tingling of body, joint and muscle pain, heat insensitivity, definitely the difficulty breathing and the swelling of my glands.
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Yes, it has impacted my life physically, emotionally and financially. Prior to being diagnosed, I was so ill and constantly in and out of hospitals and doctor appointments. It affected my teaching career and I made a career switch. It also affected my emotionally the first two years. I was so frustrated and hesitant to admit it and talk to anyone about it. I am in a much better place now. I am happy in my career and with my current health.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I wish that people knew that it affects all ages. Most people believe it is only in your 40s but I was in my early 20s with issues due to it. I also wish that people understood that it is so much more than “dry mouth”. Dry mouth is the least of my concerns with disease.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I incorporate exercise to manage my Sjögren’s. It helps me to not only stay sane but it makes me feel physically better.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
I make sure to drink plenty of water and maintain a gluten free diet as well as to take vitamin d supplements.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
My best tip is to always make sure to have water with you and a cooling towel with you for very hot days to avoid being overheated.