Lindsie
Patient-to-patient topic: Dryness in the Body
Eye dryness has been one of the worst symptoms I deal with. I have had spots and ulcers on my corneas from Sjögren’s and dryness. I also get painful ulcers in my nose and mouth. So I make sure I take the meds I am prescribed and drink lots and lots of water daily. I also exercise regularly and eat healthy, and it helps minimize symptoms.
Most difficult symptoms: Pain and dryness are most difficult symptoms. Flares are very hard. In addition to Sjögren’s I have Lupus as well so knowing the difference of each flare is important and figuring out which disease is causing the symptoms is challenging.
How has Sjögren's impacted my life: Physically in the aspect that you have these different steps to add to your daily routine like extra lotions for dryness, eye drops, medications etc. In the emotional aspect, because it is life-changing and what you may have been able to do but now cannot wear on you emotionally and can even be draining.
What do I wish you knew when first dealing with this symptom/situation?: How much dry eyes, mouth, vaginal and nasal can really affect you. And the joint pain, body aches, and fatigue just drain you.
How do I incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's: Trying to eat healthy, getting plenty of rest and drinking water. And overall, listen to your symptoms and try a different activity or less of one if that is what contributes to symptoms. But also making time for yourself to decompress and try to for whatever amount of time you have available, forget you have a disease and focus on balancing your body.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip? Rest and focus on your body and what it’s telling you.
Lindsie
Patient-to-patient topic: Dryness in the Body
Eye dryness has been one of the worst symptoms I deal with. I have had spots and ulcers on my corneas from Sjögren’s and dryness. I also get painful ulcers in my nose and mouth. So I make sure I take the meds I am prescribed and drink lots and lots of water daily. I also exercise regularly and eat healthy, and it helps minimize symptoms.
Most difficult symptoms: Pain and dryness are most difficult symptoms. Flares are very hard. In addition to Sjögren’s I have Lupus as well so knowing the difference of each flare is important and figuring out which disease is causing the symptoms is challenging.
How has Sjögren's impacted my life: Physically in the aspect that you have these different steps to add to your daily routine like extra lotions for dryness, eye drops, medications etc. In the emotional aspect, because it is life-changing and what you may have been able to do but now cannot wear on you emotionally and can even be draining.
What do I wish you knew when first dealing with this symptom/situation?: How much dry eyes, mouth, vaginal and nasal can really affect you. And the joint pain, body aches, and fatigue just drain you.
How do I incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's: Trying to eat healthy, getting plenty of rest and drinking water. And overall, listen to your symptoms and try a different activity or less of one if that is what contributes to symptoms. But also making time for yourself to decompress and try to for whatever amount of time you have available, forget you have a disease and focus on balancing your body.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip? Rest and focus on your body and what it’s telling you.