just saying hello,new to this

[Ronna]

Hello to all! This is first time Iv posted. First of all I have Sjogrens and another connective tissue disease. My doctor thinks lupus or rheum arthritis, My mom has lupus. I dont really know why they cant pinpoint it exactly. Iv been sick on and off for ten yrs, in and out of emergency rooms and different doctors, just diagnosed two yrs ago. IV gained 25- 30 lbs from steroids. I  just hope to learn more from those going through same thing. I have no family support what so ever  thats the hardest for me everyone thinks I look great just over weight.Theres times I need some one to talk to only to find no ones really listening. Im 43, been in college 3 yrs going for RN degree, I dont even know if Ill be able to do this after I finish. Im so sick  all the time on and off, I have noticed I get more flare ups when taking classes, I was working as hairstylist and going to school but I had to give up something because of being sick so much. Just reading what everyone else is going through helps me cope.SJOGRENS, its real!

[Bucky]

Hi Ronna . . . welcome to your new Sjoggie family.   

We're a group from literally, around the world. 

When you come here, we truly understand what it's like to live with Sjogren's.  So, we "get it".  It helps to have a support group as we travel this bizarre road called Sjogren's.

We have several members who are currently nurses and several that are retired nurses on the forum.

I hope you find this forum helpful to you - we have a lot of great members.

Bucky

[Patze]

Hi Ronna,

Let me also welcome you to the SJS World and family!  Please continue to peruse the board as there is so much information that it's almost scary!

Bucky makes a good point, we "get it". 

Hang in there and take care of yourself, okay?

Patze

[Carolina]

Dear Ronna,

I can so sympathize with your frustration that they can't pinpoint exactly what is going on!   That is the nature of Sjogren's and all of its many co-conditions.

I thought it was so simple when I had the dry eye/dry mouth syndrome, and I didn't explore the disease any further.  BUT, now that I have so many other related problems, it is so frustrating that just diagnosing them is such a long complicated process, and even more frustrating that the treatments seem like trial and error.

Hang in there, Ronna.  Tell us what's going on, ask your questions, share your experiences........there are so many people here who understand, and you're bound to find friends who understand exactly what YOU'RE going through.

Keep us posted.

Kisses

Carolina

[hnybny91]

I am new to this myself but I just wanted to say welcome to the forum

[Scottietottie]

Hi Ronna 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. We'll always listen to you in here!

Take care - Scottie 

[grandma7]

I'm new too.  first time on Sjogrens world. 

[Chickpea]

Hi Ronna and Grandma7

Welcome to you both!  I hope you enjoy looking through the discussion topics and getting to know us all.  We're a friendly lot and discuss all manner of things.  And have a good laugh at times!

Grandma7 - tell us more about yourself.  How long have you had symptoms?  Have you got a Sjogren's diagnosis?  Does your name mean you have 7 grandchildren?  There are lots of grandparents here who share joys and worries with each other, and with those of us who don't have grandchildren (yet).

Take care - Chickpea

[grandma7]

Hi
Yes, I am a grandmother of 7.  I have 3 grandsons, and 4 granddaughters.  My oldest is 15 yrs old, down to the youngest who is 8 months...
I was diagnosed 10 years ago, but have been sick for many years before that...
This is new to me. 

[bill_in_lv]

Welcome to you both.  You will find an incredible amount of help, support and resources here.