newbie here

[Farmgal]

Newly diagnosed last week, waiting for appt. with Rheum. doc.  Looking for information. Is there a newbie board here or do I just jump in anywhere?  Thanks.

[MaryBee7]

Hi Farm!  Welcome.  You'll get an official and public welcome from one of the long time moderators and others.  This is where I started a couple of months ago.  There are so many wonderful people here and you'll learn a lot...and probably teach us things as well. 

Looking forward to your posts --- Mary Beth

[Bucky]

Hi Farmgal - welcome!

This section here is where the newbies introduce themselves.   

If there are certain subjects you are interested in knowing more about, if you put that specific word(s) in the search box to the top right of this page, it will take you to previous threads about that topic.

We are a worldwide, diverse group of both female (90%) and male, young and old, from all walks of life.

We have some members who have Sjogren's for a very long time, others, like yourself, who are brand new to Sjogren's, and then those who are somewhere in-between. 

When you feel comfortable, if you could tell us a little bit more about your journey that led you to go to the doctor and get a Sjogren's diagnose.  Do you have the classic dry eyes & dry mouth? (some do, some don't)

I hope you find this site helpful to you on your Sjogren's journey - just remember, we're all traveling this road too.

Bucky

[Cheryl]

Welcome, Farmgal!  Feel free to post whenever you like.  We'll look forward to getting to know you.
Cheryl

[Scottietottie]

Hi Farmgal 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. I hope you find the forum useful. It is certainly friendly and supportive. Feel free to post and to reply to posts.

Take care - Scottie 

[Saundra]

Hi farmgal

I'm always sad to see someone new but if you gotta have sjs this is a great place to be.  The members here are caring and full of useful knowledge.

XOXO
Ldy

[CMNK12]

  Welcome , I am a newbie also. Not so new to sjogrens but to the site. It is wonderful and has lots of info. Looking forward to your posts. Happy New Year. CK

[Pisces24]

Welcome Farmgal.    
I live in eastern Iowa. Though I am a city gal, I have tons of cousins who are farmers in Wisc and MN. I call myself a farm gal spoiled by the city.

You will learn a lot on this site from "real" people who have Sjogrens and have had or going through what you are. So glad you got officially diagnosed!!  Many of us had to go through years of "so call specialists" until we finally got a diagnosis. Our eyes have really got open about doctors, medicines and we sound so smart because we learn a bunch of "big" words.   

[Meld256]

Hi Farmgal, and Welcome! 

Let me welcome you to the forum, and say that you posted just perfectly.  We don't have a "newbie" area; just jump in anywhere.  (it is good that you said you were new in your subject topic, so we notice it easier)

We all know how there can be so much information to take in, and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming.  Please post and ask anything at all; we will all do our best to answer your questions.  This is a great group-supportive, encouraging, informative and just a bunch of people who "get it." 

We're glad you found us, and we look forward to hearing more from you!
Melinda

[Farmgal]

Thanks for the welcome. Is nice to find somewhere to explore the facts as all is very new right now.  Had typical complaints for GP of dry mouth/eyes/skin and tooth problems.  Now seeing some things that I attributed to aging that may be sympt. too....joint pain and fatigue.  Still waiting for first appt with rheum. and not sure what to expect there either.  Trying to remember what I was told about blood tests done...positive ana, high ssa and b, thyroid wacky. Think I will ask for a copy of the labs now and sort them out too.

[Bucky]

Trying to remember what I was told about blood tests done...positive ana, high ssa and b, thyroid wacky. Think I will ask for a copy of the labs now and sort them out too.

Farmgal - it's a good idea to keep a file on yourself with copy of all lab work you have done.

Another doctor that will be helpful to you in your Sjogren's journey will be your dentist.  With the dry mouth, it can cause havoc on your teeth because of the lack of saliva to wash away bacteria.  If you don't already carry water with you, you might need to.  I never go anywhere without my water.  It's difficult for me to swallow food without some sort of liquid to help it down.

It's also quite common for those of us with Sjogren's to have thyroid issues.  My lab work for the thyroid goes up and down, up and down.  In fact, I'm waiting on test results that I had taken before Christmas - hoping that later this week I'll get some answers.

If you have the dry eyes - there are many over-the-counter eye drops.  It comes down to personal preference.  I alternate between Systane Ultra and Thera Tears.  My Optho wanted me to use prescription Restasis, but it was too expensive for me.

I remember at one time, someone had posted a kind of "what to expect at your first Rhemy visit" post - I'll have to see if I can find it for you.

Bucky

[Bucky]

Farmgal - here's two previous threads about first Rheumy visits that might be helpful to you:

https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=6525.msg63929

https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=20665.msg220612;topicseen#msg220612

Bucky

[slccom]

Keep a log of your meds and how you react to them, too It may take a while to get things that work for you. And remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question. You may well have a symptom that makes us all think.

Welcome, and sorry you need to find us!
Sharon

[Farmgal]

Thanks again for the advice and for the links.  Since my new doc/rheumy is several hours from home I want to be prepared for visit well.

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Farmgal,

Just wanted to add my welcome to you! You have already been given some good information from the others....I always ask for copies of my labs/tests and keep them handy to give a  copy over to another doctor if needed....they have always been appreciative of them! I also keep a list of medications and dosages and take that with me to any appt as well.

Being your first visit...it is definitely a good idea to write down your main concerns and any questions you have before going. Once you get to the appt....sometimes you feel overwhelmed and forget to ask what you intended...for me that's the case at least! Then don't forget to take the list with you...lol! 

Welcome to our big family here!