I am totally freaking out! I went to the doctor on Monday, finally, because I had been having joint pain, fatigue and my depression medication seems to have stopped working. She put me on a new medication, and took some blood to do some tests. Today they called and said I have something called Sjögren's Syndrome. So I decided to do some research on the web. Not a good idea, now I am totally freaking out. Hear is what they said:
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva. Sjögren's syndrome is also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The hallmark symptoms of the disorder are dry mouth and dry eyes. In addition, Sjogren's syndrome may cause skin, nose, and vaginal dryness, and may affect other organs of the body including the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and brain.
Sjögren's syndrome affects 1-4 million people in the United States. Most people are more than 40 years old at the time of diagnosis. Women are 9 times more likely to have Sjögren's syndrome than men.
Sjögren's syndrome can damage vital organs of the body with symptoms that may remain stable, worsen, or go into remission. Some people may experience only the mild symptoms of dry eyes and mouth, while others go through cycles of good health followed by severe disease. Many patients are able to treat problems symptomatically. Others are forced to cope with blurred vision, constant eye discomfort, recurrent mouth infections, swollen parotid glands, hoarseness, and difficulty in swallowing and eating. Debilitating fatigue and joint pain can seriously impair quality of life.
There is no known cure for Sjögren's syndrome nor is there a specific treatment to restore gland secretion. Treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive. Moisture replacement therapies may ease the symptoms of dryness. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat musculoskeletal symptoms. For individuals with severe complications, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed.
Vince G.
9 years ago
7 comments:
You need to wait to freak out until you have seen your dr. Your dr. can help ease your worries as well has help treat the symptoms. You are a healthy woman that tries to eat right and exercise that will pay off in the end. You will see it won't be as bad as you think. You might end up being one of those people that all you need is a few steroid treatments and you are fine. Wait till you see your dr. Just relax your dr. will help you!!!!! You are in my prayer!!!
Wow! I agree with the above comment, you need to wait for more information from you dr. If you need anything, I'm here! I will take the kids for a few hours so you can have a few moments to yourself :)
What the...?!?! They CALLED and gave you a diagnosis but didn't bother to give you any kind of information, support, or suggestions?!? Man. And we get to pay them the big bucks for that. Celiac and gramma can tell you though that oftentimes what they do have to offer isn't always that great.
Good for you for being pro active, investigating and seeing what the "potential" could be. Then you can be prepared to deal with whatever aspects of the condition you may or may not have. A positive attitude makes ALL the difference in any kind of medical condition. So the freaking out, while a natural reaction, isn't going to help. You ARE a smart woman and you WILL be able to make the best of the situation whatever it may be. I have every faith in your abilities.
And I will now get down off my soapbox. I love you! I too will keep you in my prayers.
Hey.
Tried to call last night, and will keep trying.
A consultation with the doctor is a start, but I am a FIRM believer in being proactive about any condition you have.
Our medical system is far from comprehensive, and is clearly skewed toward drug therapies rather than seeking any environmental, behavioral or dietetic causes or changes that relate to these conditions.
Having read a great deal about my condition, and as a result dozens of other auto-immune conditions, you will discover that your run of the mill GP is probably only equipped to give you the overview of the disease, and throw some steriods at you to ease symptoms. (you will also learn that almost all autoimmune diseases are related, and once you have one you are more likely to contract another...and doctors have NO clue why)
I say research as much as you can. The only way to alleviate fear is with knowledge, concrete knowlege. Look for support groups, as they are full of people who live first hand with the condition and have far better advice than most doctors, since theirs is based on real life experience.
Look for books, medical articles, etc. anything that puts you in the know when you DO walk into the doctors office.
Putting your health with blind faith in one doctors hands shuts off your avenues for healing, and an unrealistic expectation for yourself and your physician.
Now I'm off my soapbox.
Love you girl. Try to take a breath and follow all of the good advice given above. Will keep you in my prayers and hope to hear soon that you have some positive steps to take on this.
Good for you for researching, but don't freak out all the way yet!! I would definitely get a 2nd opinion on that diagnosis. So often you get told one thing only to find out it might be that or something else. I second all the above advice and wisdom from above and say hang in there girl!!
Hey Missy! Those pics of the kids on Jaclyn's blog are ADORABLE!!! Man she does great work. Of course it helps that you have such cutie kids!
Hope you're feeling a bit better...Love you dahlin!
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