Hello Everyone,
New member here. I am a pre-med student currently being investigated for Sjogren's.
Regardless of whether or not I have Sjogren's - really hoping that I do not, or that it will disappear for now until I establish my career - this experience has opened my eyes to the great need to understand and address autoimmune and connective tissue disorders.
I hope to stay healthy enough to be accepted into medical school and work hard to find treatments for Sjogren's Syndrome and related conditions.
I need the courage to not worry about the future and focus on treating my symptoms so I can enjoy life, advance in my career, and help people suffering from chronic illnesses.
I want to become a caring Rheumatologist that is involved in research! I am told that even if I get a Sjogren's diagnosis, it should not stop me from achieving my goals.
Hoping for the best of luck!
Best,
AI
Welcome Al. As you know Sjogrens is usually a diagnosis by elimination. A lot of us are missing the blood work markers. My Dx was on symptoms so it is called S.I.C.C.A..
I believe, from my reading, that AI diseases are caused by nano-bacteria using gene 6 and 7 of the mitochondria DNA to reproduce. This causes damage to the cell so your immune system attacks the cell.
Nano-bacteria is why doctors autoclave their surgical instruments.
Good luck on your career and management of your AI disease.
Good luck , I hope you are negative. I was negative for 1.5 years and then early sjogrens test came back positive.. 😪
I hope you're negative. If symptoms persist, I'm sure you know that it means you have it anyway.
Either way, you will be a great rhuemy one day. I think a lot of us have had to change docs due to insensitivity. It's not enough to be alive if you're not living.Quality of life is important. Many rhuemys don't understand that. You won't be one of those.
Welcome AI
Since you are a Med student, you might appreciate The Sjogren's Book by Dr. Daniel Wallace. It gives a comprehensive view of how SS affects all of the various body systems. Another book you might wish to read, is the Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter..interesting perspective on the contributions of hybrid wheat to AI & other diseases.
This is a great group with lots of good info & support. Hope you don't end up with the SS dx, but achieving your goals will still be possible. It may actually make you a better Rheumy.
Take care.
SjoDry