difficulty

[pan.music]

does anyone get fed up with trying to do things like lean over cupboards and trunks to find important things and not being able to lift things out (arms not working properly)?  I'm trying to find some old photographs and can't remember where I put them - it's so frustrating not having the strength to lift heavy things whilst leaning forward.  And my left eye is killing me - I close it as much as possible but it does get you down, especially as I feel I look red-eyed all the time.  Anyone else find problems of this sort?  I'm a positive person with a sense of humour but this is getting me down, especially as it hasn't been happening for long.  Does it get worse? 

[dainbramage]

I can't open jars or bottles anymore.  I have a hard time with my left arm and hand.  When I am cleaning house, my back hurts so bad that I can't do anymore work. I can't lean over and get things out of low places. Once in a while, one part of my body acts up and the next week the another part acts up. I can't wash dishes without the water hurting my hands. I wear gloves to help now. So I understand what you are saying.

[Meld256]

Hi pan.music,

Do you play the flute, by any chance? I want to first welcome you to Sjogren's World!  This is your first post I'd seen.
I hope you find the forum as friendly and helpful as I have. Lots of great people here who understand what you're going through.

Well, in answer to your questions, yes, yes and yes, unfortunately. I have multiple "issues" with many things and have had to learn to adapt. That might be said for most all of us here. Actually, I guess I should say I'm "still learning to adapt."  I've been ill with all this about a year or so and things came on pretty quickly. It's a huge adjustment that takes time.

So, yes I have problems and yes, it can be a downer but over time we can learn to accept our limitations and adapt to different ways of doing things. Don't mean that you won't improve, because you may, especially with treatment. And humor is definately a great thing to hang onto!
Looking forward to learning more about you. May I ask if you are on an meds or other treatments to help at this time? Please feel free to ask anything at all. We all understand and will help support and encourage.
Melinda