I have Sjogren’s Syndrome (pronounced show-grin). What is Sjogren’s Syndrome some might ask? It is an autoimmune disease that I am going to have for the rest of my life. I didn’t ask to live with a chronic disease, but I ended up with one anyway. It’s a constant battle everyday. I have all the symptoms, some of which are, fatigue, dry eyes, dry mouth, and worst of all, the musculoskeletal pain, which includes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
There is little known about this disease, and as of right now, there is no cure. There are medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that can help to relieve some of the symptoms. Everyone around me has to be informed about this disease. That way, they can understand when I am in pain or when I get too tired to complete a certain task. I have to pace myself at everything that I do, even playing with my kids. Sometimes, I am even too tired to bathe them. Luckily I have a lot of help and support from my family.
In the morning when I first wake up is the worst. I wake up with my joints, especially in my hands, swollen and sore. I generally have to take something for the pain right when I get up. I never imagined that I would be living with anything like this, or any chronic disease for that matter. If your doctor is not informed about this disease, it can take up to seven years in some cases to get a proper diagnosis. Luckily, the doctor that I have now is informed. When I was pregnant with my first child my joint pain and fatigue had a major flare-up. My OB doctor at that time diagnosed me with arthritis, although there were many people around me who thought that I was too young to have arthritis at twenty-four years old. He, mistakenly, misdiagnosed my condition. It wasn’t until this summer, when my pain and fatigue were affecting my everyday life that I told my doctor and he tested me for Sjogren’s.
My reason for this article is to inform others who may have this disorder. Check the list of symptoms at the end of this article and compare them to any that you may have. Discuss that possibility of Sjogren’s Syndrome with your doctor. For me, I had to have a connective tissue screening done. They drew five vials of blood out of me. This disease in better monitored and maintained if it is discovered early on. You can visit the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation Web site for more information. Look over the following symptoms, and if you have concerns, see your doctor.
Symptoms vary from person to person but may include:
- A dry, gritty or burning sensation in the eyes
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty talking, chewing, or swallowing
- A sore or cracked tongue
- Dry or burning throat
- Dry or peeling lips
- A change in taste or smell
- Increased dental decay
- Joint pain
- Vaginal and skin dryness
- Digestive problems
- Dry nose
- Fatigue
- Musculoskeletal pain
