My name is Susan. I am 53, married and a mother of 5 children. After suffering with symptoms for at least 2 years and not knowing what was wrong with me and having my family (and probably a doctor or two) think I was a hypochondriac, I finally found my way to a rheumatologist. My doctor isn't sure at this point if Sjogrens or RA is my primary diagnosis.....so we are still waiting to see how the RA progresses. I've been on Restasis and Plaquenil for the past 6 months and have had major relief--not 100% relief, but enough that my good days are really good and they do out number the bad days. So at least that is a step in the right direction for now!
I'm looking foward to learning more about Sjogrens and forming a support network with people who understand my both my good periods as well as the bad times.
Susan :)
Hello Susan :)
Welcome to Sjogren's world. All too often autoimmune diseases travel in 'packs'. It can take a while to get a dx and hypochondriac is a term many of us have been dubbed with in the past!
I hope you find the site useful. It is certainly friendly and supportive.
Take care - Scottie :)
Let me welcome you to Sjogren's World, Susan! ;)
Many of can relate to your being made to feel you were a hypochondriac, and the time it takes to get a diagnosis. These autoimmunes's are tricky; they mimic so many other things. I'm glad to hear you've found a rheumatologist and sounds as if you're closer to getting some answers. Also, so glad that Plaquenil has been helping you so much~it's helped me quite a bit in the last 3 1/2 months I've taken it.
You've come to the right place for great information and friendly people! There is loads of info. here. And we cheer and laugh with each other on with the good days and commiserate, encourage and support on the bad ones.
Please look around, and we look forward to hearing more from you. :)
Again, Welcome.
Melinda
Welcome Susan7.
Hi Susan7 - welcome!
As the others have mentioned, there is a wealth of information here on this site. If there is a particular subject or topic you are interested in, if you put that word(s) in the search box to the top right of this page, it will take you to previous threads about that subject. If you can't find what you're looking for, by all means, start your own thread.
We also have a live chat several days during the week and one on Sunday evening if you are interested. You can find those chat times on our home page.
I hope you find this site helpful to you on your Sjogren's journey. Please know, when you come here, we "get it"! :)
Bucky
Hi Susan7!
Just want to add my welcome to you! I hope you find this place as informative, supportive, and fun as I have over the years!
Welcome to Sjogrens World!
Hi Susan7,
Let me also welcome you to the SJS World and family! Please look around the board as there are scads of topics that you just might find interesting and informative! If you can't find what you're looking for, don't be shy and ask aways as there is usually someone about that just might be able to help.
Oh gosh, the hypochondriac "label". Yeah, have heard that from family members and friends over the years (have heard that from a doctor or too as well). ::) I don't think that theres a real answer for that, and thankfully some opinions have changed a bit as the symptoms and problems have grown over the years.
Hang in there and I hope that you get an answer soon -
Patze
Hi Susan7 and welcome!
I'm glad you found us and hope you visit often with all your thoughts and queries, both big and little.
It's so good to hear that the Plaquenil and Restasis are making a difference. To have more good days which are really good and outnumber the bad days - well that's a wonderful outcome!
Thinking of you - Chickpea
Susan7, I'm sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with Sjogren's, but so glad you found this board! All too often we're called as hypochondriacs and judged. You won't find any of that here!
Welcome! As Meld said, you'll find great info and friendly and helpful people here.