How has Sjögren's affected your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Sjögren’s has affected every facet of my life, from my increased need for medical care to my workplace accommodation requirements, and definitely my wallet. Medication is expensive, rheumatologists are expensive, I can go on.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
As a 21 year old with Sjögren’s, it’s really affirming to hear stories of other people who got diagnosed very young, and are still able to live fulfilling lives. And thanks to the people who came before me in terms of advocating for medical care, I have the confidence and motivation to advocate for myself in medical settings.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I have a wonderful therapist, and a family that really supports me and has helped me access the treatment I need to live a happy healthy life. My partner is also incredibly supportive, and really helps me feel not alone in my struggles.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To ask for help and trust others. My bonds are so much deeper with people I’m close to because they know how to support me, and it feels nice to let people in like that.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I do have times where I feel great, and days where I can barely move, and my health will never be linear, but I’ve made peace with that. I hope other people can too.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Research your medication side effects and possible interactions, it’s very helpful to have your own research so you can ask your care team better questions about your care plan!
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
I think it means to not let this disease hold you back, but also being able to listen to when your body tells you it’s time for a break. Balance is the key to thriving.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?
I love therapeutic massages, nice skin care products, fancy cuticle oils, little luxuries that not only help manage my symptoms, but also make me feel good emotionally.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
Knowing that I am incredibly lucky to have been diagnosed as soon as I was, and that my preventative care is working. As hard as it is, it only took me 3 years to get diagnosed, which is a relatively short time. Hearing about new research involving Sjogren’s definitely helps too.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
TheraTears is a blessing and a gift, and by far my most used symptom management tool.
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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)?:
Sjögren’s has affected every facet of my life, from my increased need for medical care to my workplace accommodation requirements, and definitely my wallet. Medication is expensive, rheumatologists are expensive, I can go on.
How has connecting with the Sjögren's community or others living with Sjögren's Disease affected your journey with SjD?:
As a 21 year old with Sjögren’s, it’s really affirming to hear stories of other people who got diagnosed very young, and are still able to live fulfilling lives. And thanks to the people who came before me in terms of advocating for medical care, I have the confidence and motivation to advocate for myself in medical settings.
Where/who do you go to for support with Sjögren's?:
I have a wonderful therapist, and a family that really supports me and has helped me access the treatment I need to live a happy healthy life. My partner is also incredibly supportive, and really helps me feel not alone in my struggles.
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
To ask for help and trust others. My bonds are so much deeper with people I’m close to because they know how to support me, and it feels nice to let people in like that.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
I do have times where I feel great, and days where I can barely move, and my health will never be linear, but I’ve made peace with that. I hope other people can too.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?:
Research your medication side effects and possible interactions, it’s very helpful to have your own research so you can ask your care team better questions about your care plan!
What does it mean to "thrive" while living with Sjögren's?:
I think it means to not let this disease hold you back, but also being able to listen to when your body tells you it’s time for a break. Balance is the key to thriving.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?
I love therapeutic massages, nice skin care products, fancy cuticle oils, little luxuries that not only help manage my symptoms, but also make me feel good emotionally.
What inspires you to keep going on hard days?:
Knowing that I am incredibly lucky to have been diagnosed as soon as I was, and that my preventative care is working. As hard as it is, it only took me 3 years to get diagnosed, which is a relatively short time. Hearing about new research involving Sjogren’s definitely helps too.
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
TheraTears is a blessing and a gift, and by far my most used symptom management tool.
Click Here to Return to Stories
Click Here to Learn More About Sjögren's Awareness Month