New to site but not to Sjogrens (well a lil)

[his angel]

 Hello. I am new to this site. I have been reading the forums from my cell phone and just registered yesterday. I love this site. I am telling all my loved ones about it. I tell them read a few and then you can ask me questions.
I found out I had Sjogrens on a fluke. I went in to see my doc about weight loss so she gave me a full panel blood test. When I came back in 2 weeks later I was informed that all is perfectly well except that I had Sjogrens Syndrome.  I must of looked confused  because she said I can give you some information on it. Well it was a printout from WebMd.  After some research of my own, me and my darling husband found out I have been suffering from this for a LONG time. I was diagnosed with COPD August 2010 so I quit smoking. But still felt bad. I just tacked it up to being too busy and too much stress. Well now at least I have a name to give to it and a place to learn and not feel alone. I guess I just wanted to say thank you for all of this. Your stories help me when I feel down or when I feel happy. I have shed tears from sadness    and laughter. 
Take some time for yourself. It is hard but it is necessary. I am lucky my family understands a lot. I even get in trouble by my teen daughters for being up to long 
Have a safe and Happy Holiday season. 

[Meld256]

Welcome, his angel! 

I'm glad you found us. You've come to the right place for information, support and some really great folks.
You must have been a bit shocked by your Sjogren's diagnosis. That happens for a few of us. As you say, it finally gives a name and a reason for what you've been going through.

It's wonderful that you have an understanding family; so very important. This forum has been a great learning experience for me and others, and you're not alone in anything with us around. 

Feel free to post and comment anything at all. We look forward to hearing more from you. By the way, have you been put on any medications to help with symptoms as of yet?
Again, welcome.

Melinda

[Pisces24]

Welcome Angel.

My Sjogrens journey to diagnosis started when my regular dr didn't like my bloodwork. Some numbers had been steadially climbing and he was bound and determined to find out why.  "Like a dog after a rabbit in a woodpile" - bless his heart. It took 6 years of going specialist to so-called specialists before I was finally diagnosed at a research teaching hospital here in Iowa.        I am fairly lucky as I don't have the bad symptoms as most on the boards seem to. Mine are: wacky bloodwork. past numerous bad sinus infections, lotsa teeth cavities that started ca 10 yrs ago (up to then had 5 my whole life!) , spots on lungs that thankfully do not affect my breathing, dryness, and some fatigue at times. I can usually feel a fatigue bout coming on and can avoid "hitting the wall" with it.

My dad had COPD from emphysema so I can somewhat understand what you are going through with that. That is why to this day I never wear mousse, hairspray or strong smells.
Just remember that SJS is very individualistic. We generally have the same symptoms but they vary in each individual.

PS: I seem to use "old phrases" talking - guess from my folks. I usually get a laugh or a weird look.  Take Sjogrens one day at a time and "don't meet the devil at the door before he gets there". 

[Joe S.]

Welcome his Angel. I will say there is a lot of information here. I am glad that you did not have to go through the questioning years to receive your diagnosis as that can be long and frustrating. I am also glad that you have a supportive family. If you have not read "spoon theory" I suggest that you do. Here is the link: http://butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf

Wear your mumps scarf to bed. Sip, Swish, Swallow. Remember to Breathe.

[Scottietottie]

Hi his Angel 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. I hope you find the site useful. I'm sure you will find it supportive and friendly.

Take care - Scottie 

[gold55]

Hi his Angel,
I got my diagnosis like you did....went to my internist for another reason and all my blood came back A-OK except.....they found me to have SJS!   What a shock is right!  I'm a bit like Picses in that I haven't experienced a lot of the illness that others have.  I do have arthritis in my hands and feet and peripheral neuropathy, also mouth and eye dryness but there are days when I do really well.  I'm still able to work and take care of my house although.....it's not as clean as it used to be
I have a Mom with 3 AI's, my Dad died young of multiple myeloma and I work in Ophthalmology so, that's most of the experience I bring to this forum.   Otherwise, I can tell you a lot about golden retrievers!!

Glad that you joined and hope I can help in some way.  Happy holidays!

Jill

[Narablueeyes]

Welcome Angel and happy merry kwanzmakuh.   

[Patze]

Hi His Angel,

Let me also welcome you to the SJS World and family!  I'm glad that I had to meet you this way, but I'm sure glad that you did!

I'm also glad to see that you've been roaming around and are finding this board as amazing as I do! 

Again, welcome and I'm glad that you "came in from out in the cold".


Patze