New to Sjogrens and message board

[angels04]

Hello
I finally just got my diagnosis after years of wondering what was wrong with me. The good news is I am not crazy  and after going thru these boards, I see that I do not have things too bad.
My question is: all the aches and pains I am feeling..is it because I now have a diagnosis and its ok to feel them or is it psychsymatic?
I start my plaquenil tomorrow
Just wanted to introduce myself and say hello

[Narablueeyes]

Welcome angels and it's not psychosomatic.  Look around thebother threads; there's some REALLY good info buried around here!

[Bucky]

Welcome Angels04.

We're a worldwide community, made up of both female and male members.  We're all different, yet - we share a lot of the same symptoms and treatments.

You mention you start Plaquenil tomorrow.  Be sure and take it with some food so it doesn't upset your stomach.  It can take up to six months for a person to feel the benefits of it, so don't be surprised if it doesn't happen quickly.

There's a wealth of information here on this site.  If there are certain topics you are interested in, if you put that word(s) in the search box to the top right of this page, it will take you to previous threads about it.

There is a section that has a lot of helpful links too.  Be sure and check them out - you might find some useful information there.

We also have hosted chats several nights during the week.  You can check the chat schedule to see when it is in the area that you live.

Again, welcome.  I hope you will find a lot of helpful information here and perhaps make some friends along the way.   

Bucky

[susanep]

Welcome to the board. You will find much info and kindness here.

susanep 

[Joe S.]

Welcome Angels04. I remember posting an article on pain. It may be that you are allowing yourself to feel the pain. That is a trick my wife does when ever she has time off.

[KellyG999]

Welcome, Angels04. I am glad you found us. We support each other and are good listeners, too. We also share good info, tips, ideas, etc.

Keep posting and good luck with Plaquenil. It didn't help me, but I know MANY on this board have been helped quite a bit. I do know you have to be VERY patient.

The pain is very real. There are days I can't even stand up in the shower and wash my hair since my arms, back and neck hurt so much. On those days, I fill the tub with hot, hot water and try to get clean enough to go to work... I rely on pain meds, but some here rely more on natural methods. I got over feeling guilty about using pain medicines. Most days, I can't get moving without a little help.

Don't EVER let the doctors dismiss you or suggest it's all in your head. Find a good doc, whether GP, Rheumy, internist, and stick with them if they take you seriously and help manage your symptoms!

Take care,

KellyG

[Scottietottie]

Hi angels 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. The aches and pains are NOT psychosomatic. Don't get scared by what you read in here though. SjS is a very individual illness and the people in here are on a 'spectrum'. Some are really very unwell and others, like me, are not. You will have read that the disease is progressive. It's completely unpredictable. With some it will progress a lot. Others may find hardly any progression at all. Stress can make things worse so worrying about what 'may' happen is completely counter productive because it 'may' not.

I hope you find the site useful.

Take care - Scottie 

[Cricket]

Welome Angel.  Just wanted to jump in and welcome you!!!

[angels04]

thank you all for the kind words. Sorry we are all here but happy to have you as advocates and friends!

[Duchess]

Hello and Welcome!

Your aches, pains and discomforts are as real as they can get.

Feel them, then respond accordingly. Such as with medicine, rest, guided imagery etc.

Don't always expect others to  understand or empathize. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Keep comin' back!

Duchess