Any dancer or physical actor with Sjogrens in this forum?

[Sadie Day]

Hello Ballerina,

I relate to you so much.. I'm currently Directing/Choreographing  Beauty and The Beast and I'm in a flare.  I'm only 37 years old and I'm walking around like I'm 80 and directing from a chair.  I'm two weeks away from blocking out two of my biggest scenes and teaching the choreography and honestly I haven't had the energy or mobility to even begin to work on my choreography (except in my head).  When I'm not in a flare, water aerobics seem to be the best way to loosen my joints up and get in shape.  I wish I had better advice for you but, I'm new to this Sjogren's stuff too!

If you ever need to vent you can always message me.

Good luck to you 

[eyeamdry]

Ballerina, I notice you said one of your daughters has Type I diabetes.  So sad for such young ones.  I'd just like to add that my daughter has Type I diabetes too, but hers didn't show up until she was 27!!  In fact, she got the diabetes years before my Sjogrens diagnosis.  In fact, she was the first to come up with something autoimmune.  She also has to have her thyroid removed a year after the onset of diabetes.

I'm sorry you and your girls have to suffer, but this forum is wonderful.  Welcome.  Lucy

[P.Trish]

I have treaded the boards (professionally or not) for most of my life, principally as an actress/ singer. As a dancer, I was usually in the chorus! My ballet training has helped all aspects of my life.

I taught high school theatre arts (and loved every moment)  for the last 19 yrs and retired early due to the health issues.  I am still singing in a trio,  although it is getting more difficult to hit the high notes.  Fortunately, the 2 other female singers are versatile . As you performers know, the theatre life is addicting - it has been hard to give it up, but now I am focusing on improving my piano skills - if I can summon up the energy to get to the piano

The comedy/tragedy mask of theatre has taken on a whole new meaning as I learn more about the 'human condition'.  I run the gamut from laughing hysterically to weeping pitifully.  Of course, there are many in-between-moments, as well.  The show does go on...

[Shelly]

Hi Ballerina 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. I'm not in the category you are interested in although hypermobility has been an issue. I just wanted to say welcome!

Take care - Scottie 

Hi Scottie,

You say hypermobility has been an issue?  When I first went to my rheumatologist he diagnosed me with benign hypermobility syndrome after seeing all of my joints were hypermobile but then decided to order blood tests due to other symptoms (like dry mouth and swollen salivary glands).  My blood test came back positive for SSA and ANA and he then diagnosed me with Sjogren's.  I wonder if hypermobility is a trend with us?  I know I get tendinitis frequently and I now attribute that to being hypermobile. 

Thanks for sharing!
Shelly

[Katybarstool]

Shelly

I have hypermobile hips and knees - only diagnosed a couple of years ago, and I'm almost 55.

Kathyx

[Scottietottie]

My understanding is that people who are hypermobile are more likely to suffer from arthritis. My youngest daughter is ridiculously hypermobile - all her joints apart from her hips. She has hamstrings and has been told it is her body's desperate attempt to keep itself together!

I once watched a podiatrist dislocate all her toes and then pop them back into place. (It didn't hurt her) He was just demonstrating to me how loose a lot of her joints are. She's absolutely incapable of picking up jugs or pans of liquid with one hand. Her wrist just keeps on travelling backwards!

I'm not that hypermobile but when I had a knee replaced I kept complaining that it didn't matter how much physio I did - it wouldn't straighten like the other leg. The physio gently pointed out to me that that was because the other leg wasn't straight - it was hyperextended.

Take care - Scottie