New Member

[familytradition]

Well, I'm new at this, I am female, and I have so much to say and so many questions... so I will start out slow.  I am newly diagnosed after almost 6 years of not knowing what I've been dealing with, but I understand that diagnosis time for Sjogrens is average 7 years.  I guess I'm average then. I must stay that I am more hopeful having answers now though, than I was being in limbo all this time.  Unfortunately, I have just found out that my brother also has Sjogrens.  3 of my aunts on my father's side of the family have had it as well, and the courses it has taken in each of their lives have varied.  It truly is unpredictable. 

Autoimmune disease is rampent in my family, so much so that it is scary, but I am hooked on searching for clues to answers to how to live life better and to somehow help prevent the worst effects of those diseases.  I have had wonderful doctors over the past few years for the most part, and I hope I can pass along some of their help to others.

Its good to be here.

[Ohiocat]

Welcome to the forum.

Gee having Sjogrens as a family tradition is not the kind of traditions that most people think about this time of year.

I hope you find these forums helpful,  lots of people here with lots of information.
And better yet lots of people to just listen and give you a electonic hug when it is needed.
*** Welcome ***

[EllenS]

Hi, and welcome.  I'm new too - still finding my way around.  This seems to be a great place to connect with some fabulous people.  It's so wonderful to know there are others out there who know what this is all about!  What is your biggest struggle so far?

Ellen S

[Joe S.]

Hi, and welcome. I am the nontraditional therapy person. Vitamins, Minerals, Juicing, Reiki, Reflexology, Herbs and amino's. I do not believe that there is one thing that will cure but what can not be cured can be managed. I hope that you find what works for you.

[tomsmom]

Hello!
I also have a strong family history of autoimmune illnesses.  Seems like we have a represenative for every kind you can think of.  That  can be scary and it can be helpful treatment wise.  Take care!

[Scottietottie]

Hi Familytradition 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. Wow - with such a family history, I'm sorry it took you that 'average' length of time to get a diagnoses. It's good that you realise what an individual disease Sjogren's can be.  Many people after dx read up about it and dwell on the worst possible scenarios.

I hope you find the site useful.

Take care - Scottie 

[Dolly Dimples]

                    Welcome New Member and Ellen.

                                    We can certainly do with people here who have good Doctors,

                                         and I look forward to reading some of the knowledge they may have passed on to you New Member!

                                   Although we have some very good folk here who  help us enormously ,
                                                                                                   we are always hungry for updated knowledge about  this distressing complain!
                                                                                                         enjoy  your stay, Dolly   

[lynnmarie219]

Hi familytradition and welcome to Sjogrens World!

I'm glad that you finally have some answers and were diagnosed so that you know what exactly you are dealing with now...I'm also surprised that it took so many years though when you have such a strong history of it in your family. Wow!

Feel free to come here often to look around and read all that you can and want to and if you have questions feel free to post them...someone will always be around to offer some advice or share experiences! I'm so happy to read that you have some wonderful doctors already...now that you have a good team of docs and a diagnosis.....more than half the battle has already been won and that's great!

Welcome to the family!

[Patze]

Hi familytradition,

Let me also welcome you to the SJS World and family!  Please do look around, and don't be shy if you can't find an answer to a question as there is usually someone about that might be able to help.

Take care -

Patze

[susanr]

Hi Familytradition - Welcome! Autoimmune diseases run in my family too, I am hoping my kids (all in their 20s) are spared, so far so good. It is nice to have this site to come to, the support and undertsanding surely helps.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan

[baileybugster]

Hello and Welcome
I found it very interesting that the autoimmune diseases run in families.  I never even gave it a thought when I first started with my symptoms.  I now look  back and think why didn't I pay more attention to my mom's side of the family and the different autoimmune diseases. 

I hate that we all have to go thru these issues but it is nice to be able to share with others who know what we are going thru.

Sheila