new to the forum

[dolphin50]

hi all

I was just diagnoised here this past spring.  I was nosing around on internet and found your forum.

Would love to talk with other people about this and find out more.

I know not giving much in what i would like to know, But for now just want to know there are other people out there feeling the same way I do.

[meow]

Welcome to the forum! You will find an abundance of kindness here and lots of helpful advice. You might want to  read a few threads that catch your interest, so you can get a feel of the place.

[Bucky]

Hi dolphin50 - welcome!   

We're a worldwide group of people who have either gotten a definite Sjogren's diagnose, those who are sero-negative in blood work but their doctors are treating them, or  members who are still seeking a diagnosis.  We also have family members and friends that are here to learn more about Sjogren's to help their loved ones.

There is a ton of information you will find here on this site.  If there is a specific topic 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.

We also have live chats several times during the week and one on Sunday evenings where you can talk to other Sjogren's members in real time.  I'm one of the Sunday night chat co-hosts.

How are you coping with your diagnose?  Do you find products or medicines to help you manage? 

Sjogren's is a very individual disease - what affects one person, may not affect you and vice versa.  The whole purpose of this site is to have a safe place to come and share our journey with Sjogren's with fellow suffers.  To receive encouragement, knowledge, laughter and friendship.

Are you male or female?  The vast majority of our members are female, but we do have male members too.  Sjogren's knows no age limit or gender preference.   

I hope you find this forum helpful to you on your Sjogren's journey.  Feel free to jump in any time when you're comfortable doing so.

Bucky

[Duchess]

Welcome to the forum!

You are going to love this forum. This is a very warm bunch of people that will give you an abundance of support. Of course, we will be learning things from you that might help up also.

I have been a member for just under a year now. It took several years for the pieces to be put together for a diagnosis to be made.

I have/had numerous cavities. Had extractions and root canals due to dry mouth for the most part. Dry eyes, skin, fatigue, joint pain etc.

I surely was glad when a diagnosis was made. I knew for sure then that it wasn't all in my head.

I hope it won't be long before you will be sharing. When you feel comfortable, you will.


Duchess

[Pisces24]

Welcome to the Group.

You will find a bunch of nice folks here all that have Sjogrens. But please remember that Sjogrens is a very individualistic disease. Also other auto-immune diseases like to piggy-back with Sjogrens.

I consider myself to be very lucky. I am still holding down a full time job. Basically my symptoms are just: dry eyes-nose-throat, numerous teeth cavities, easily gotten sinus infections and I have spots on my lungs they are watching.  I've learned a lot from this forum since finally being diagnosed in March '09 after a 6-yr runaround.

We all "get you" and no one is judgemental here. We have enough trouble walking in our own shoes without trying to tell someone how to walk in theirs.

[dolphin50]

aw!! some place I can talk were they don't say it is all in your mind sometimes.  Or just get over it and start doing.

I am female.  Have been living with symtoms for many years.  Was diagnoised last July with a for sure from my rhuemtoligist.  Before that it was a year were I had to wait to see her. Before that I was reading all I could get my hands on on the internet and kinda came up with Sjogrens on my own. All seemed to fit anyways

yes I have the dry eyes, nose and mouth,.  Along with cavities coming in the bunches now as before I never had any trouble with my teeth.  I have trouble swallowing some food.  It gets bad when I can't even get down an apple or a pair.

i have most of my aches and pains at night.  Sleeping is a godsent when it comes after a marithon of tossing and turning.

I still hold onto a job, but wish some days I didn't have to go.  Customer service is hard enough as it is and then having to stand behind that counter all day is even worse some days. Plus when i get home I have to play wonder women at home As to making supper and keeping the house in order.  have an old fuddy duddy for a hubby who thinks things should be so.  So I am happy when he goes to work and I don't have to.  I relish the peice and quiet.

So thank you for responding.  I will probably keep complaining on here for a while.  As it is a place I can talk about that isn't family that says get over it or there is really nothing wrong.

Work tomorrow so will probably now be on for a couple of days again.  I look forward to hearing from you all though and I will check out all the opther posts as well.
Thanks again for the welcome

[season]

It is nice to meet you. I wish it was better news for you though.

this is a good place to be if you have the symptoms of sjogrens (such a dirty word).

[susanep]

Welcome, and so glad you found us here. We are a safe place of people here, and we do understand, because many of us have went through it too.

Don't worry about needing to sound off letting things out. We have all done it, and will continue to do so as we need to. It is all part of the journey.

All with sjogren's and similar diagnosis are doing the best they can. Others don't or maybe can't really understand unless they have been there.

I am sorry you have to deal with all of this, but since you do, I am glad you are here. You are a help to all of us also.

susanep

[Patze]

Hi dolphin,

Let me also welcome you to the SJS World and family! 

I'm sure glad that you've found the board as interesting and friendly as I have all these years! 

Look around when you can by using the search engine in the upper right hand side of this page.  Type in a word or two and corresponding topics should pop up.  If you don't find what you're looking for, don't be shy and ask away as there is usually someone about that just might be able to help.

Take care of yourself -

Patze

[smallfry]

Hi Dolphin

Just wanted drop in and say HI nice to meet you and Welcome to the forum.


Cheryl

[Joe S.]

Welcome Dolphin, it sounds like you could use a read of "spoon theory". I believe that management is key.
1. Don't panic
2. Breath
3. Meditate to replace sleep

[Meld256]

Dolphin, I'm a bit late with my welcome...but Welcome! 

I think you'll find this a warm and encouraging place, full of friendly people who understand and loads of information.  We discuss everything.  You never need to feel like you're complaining around here; we all vent sometimes.

Please ask anything you like; jump in and comment anytime. We look forward to hearing more from you! 
Melinda