I tested positive last week for SS-B (4.4 where below one is negative), SS-A negative and I think ANA positive, but I'm not sure. I understand that I need more tests and to see more docs for a diagnosis. Symptoms are fatigue, joint pain, and I think my singing voice may be affected by SS (I get coughing fits if I strain or sing too long).
Question for this WONDERFUL forum: I am in the final round of interviewing for an exciting job - but it would involve 30 to 40 percent travel to Latin America and within the US. Talk about weird timing.
I basically turned 45 two years ago and fell apart. I developed vertigo and imbalance (finally diagnosed as a small benign brain tumor) and tremor (dx hereditary "essential " tremor). I'm managing both ok, but am unclear if,for example, my occasional but significant muscle weakness in my legs is due to the tremor ror some AI like SS. Should I go for it? I see my P tomorrow - any key questions I should ask? My current job is, pretty low stress and flexible. Thanks!
Well...
Do you travel well?
Is the new job a "High paced" job?
Do you just hate your job now? low stress - how blissful that is, especially if it pays the bills.
If you leave your job, and the new one is too much, can you go back?
Where in latin america? Some not-so-good stuff going on in mexico?
It's a big decision for sure. I happy for you for the new job offer, congratulations. I have a hard time changing jobs. I like my routine and have to force myself not to quit for the first two months.
anyway, if you're a sjogren's gal - stress has a tendency to induce a flare. Not sure if you've experienced these or not, but they aren't good...for you, your employer, your family...
This is a great forum - this army of lovers will offer you much to consider and reflect on before you make your decision.
Isn't that right folks!
While I am glad that you found us, I do not like it than anyone else should have to deal with this health challenge. I am more frustrated when I see younger people with this illness understanding that there is so little that is being done to help us. I believe that the medical model for Auto Immune disease is wrong. I use alternative therapy because of bad reactions to Plaq and MTX.
Sjogren's – Dry eyes, dry sinuses, dry mouth, dry skin, and dry bum.
You may or may not be faced with other health challenges related to this disease that the doctors do not tell you about. Auto Immune (AI) diseases love to bring their friends. If you have one, eventually you will have more than one.
I like also suggest that people with AI diseases read "Spoon Theory" on the web. It helps to explain how our lives have changed and helps us understand how we can manage the changes to our lives.
http://butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf
1. Don't Panic – Anxiety can make your symptoms worse. I suggest that you read and practice the exercises in the book "Feeling Good" by David Burns. The book is on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). It has information on dealing with depression, grief and other mental health issues that you may face in living and managing this disease.
2. Breathe – For as long as you live always remember to breath. When we are in pain, our muscles go into a splinting action. I know that it is hard but we must remember to breathe through the pain.
3. Meditate – Meditation can help you deal with pain and symptoms. When you can do it for 15 minutes you will be at that stage. Here is a very easy meditation technique that will help you as it has helped me. Find a safe comfortable position and close your eyes. With your eyes closed, look to the top of your forehead. As you breathe in, think "I am" as you breathe out, think "calm". Repeat as needed. Meditation can be as good as sleep.
With Sjogren's we tend to have a lot of infections so wear your "polar fleece mumps scarf" to bed. This will help your body to fight these infections. This link will help with the gland issues: http://www.chakraforce.com/Tonations.html#228.
Omega3, D3, C, Multivitamin, Probiotics seem to provide general support to our bodies when we are facing AI diseases. I like to add an 8oz glass of carrot juice every day to help my body generate endorphins.
I take what I call the Fabulous Five supplements and I wish I had known about them when I got my first AI disease. They are Alpha or R Lipoic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Biotin, PQQ, and Co-Q10. As with any drug or supplement, do your own research and consult with your healthcare professional.
Sip-Swish-Swallow are the three S's of Sjogrens.
I have no advice for you with regards to your Job issues. I currently have no income and have been denied disability.
Only you know how you feel and your symptoms now. I advise to look deep inside yourself and decide if you can physically handle the job. I makes no sense taking it if it is going to make you miserable.
Myself, I absolutely hate feeling sick or miserable away from home.
First thing that popped into my mind is .......INSURANCE.
Do you have insurance where you are at now? What kind/type does the new place offer?
These past few months I have racked up some some health bills......even with insurance....with more to come yet.....
I am all for new exciting experiences......
The above folks had some good questions for you. Also, medical facilites in these countries if your there long enough....if you had an emergency.
I find I cannot tolerate stressful situations like I use to......I had actually looked at some jobs in my field late last year...thought I may make a change. I stopped b/c I got to thinking my present employer (a docotor) knows of my health and gives me no grief on needing days off...I get to work part-time,etc......
I can sense your excitement in this new opportunity.....I wish you much success if you take it.
eye2dry
Hi Xenamom,
I just wanted to say hi! I am also pretty new and still undiagnosed with the same test results and just a few more symptoms. It's bizarre, but I'm also at a decision point of leaving the country - although mine would be one year in Israel. Here is my thought process - perhaps you will find it helpful. If not, no worries.
My year in Israel should advance my career without placing any more stress upon me. In fact, my schedule there will be very light. (I am going to study.) I can use the rest of my time and energy to work on another project that is a high priority but is not currently making much progress. So, unless my rheumy finds something unusual when I finally see her in 5 1/2 weeks, I can't see why being in another country, and one with good healthcare, should be a problem. Maybe I'm wrong, but it does not seem as if Sjogren's or its common treatments, such as Plaquenil, require constant supervision.
That said, there is a certain amount of stress just in living in another culture, travel, being outside of my regular support system, and so forth. I think it's an amount I can deal with, as long as there's not a war! :o (I wish I were kidding!)
To me, your prospective job sounds more stressful, with more frequent travel and fairly constant change. You know better than anyone how much that sort of thing affects you.... Although as your current job is low-stress I suppose it might surprise you. I know that I had a nasty surprise after being unemployed for an extended period of time and then getting my current job. Even though my job is very low-stress and flexible, it was ridiculously hard for me to adapt to working again - I had not realized just how much my energy levels had tanked in the meantime. However, I'm ready to put myself through another change (just as long as the schedule is light) for the sake of my sanity and future career. So I don't have advice for you other than to weigh the pros and cons very carefully, knowing that a big change will possibly affect your health to some extent. However, if it's a good change in the long-term, then it might be a good thing. Either way, don't let fear rule the decision - go for the life you want, with the body you have!
Nymph,
You got me googling on Israel and I found this site: eifermanrealty.com/JerusalemNeighborhoods.aspx
It shows you pictures of each neighborhood and a description, then when you click on a neighborhood, a new page pops up with a map. It's pretty cool. Your new journey sounds nice. I truly wish you the best with this wonderful opportunity.
Hello Xenamom, and Welcome! ;)
If you've had an opportunity to look around, you've seen we discuss everything from deep and thought-provoking to downright funny. With it all, we support and encourage one another. I think you'll find our forum a welcoming place full of friendly and helpful people.
In regard to your question about the job change, it seems you've received some good viewpoints already.
I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you and your situation. It sounds like an exciting opportunity and I wish you well. ;)
Please feel free to jump in an ask anything at all here, comment and post away! We look forward to hearing more from you.
Take care,
Melinda
Cool site, iRaisin! I am actually looking for a place to rent when I go... unfortunately not in Jerusalem. But it will be fun to visit there!