Not sure where to put this...

[downrabbithole]

So I guess it goes in general!  I was going to put it under depression, but I'm not sure that fits?

Anyway, I'm on the younger end of things. I'm 24 ad have been struggling for four years. I've been taking Plaquenil for a few months, but things seem to be a big giant roller coaster.

My serious boyfriend and I who I still love very much recently called it quits, or at least a break. We still love each other very much, but we don't talk every day any longer. He is also going out of town and it sucks that we had to break up at this time because all of my friends left town for the summer (don't you know its not fashionable to be in NYC in the summer, dahling! ) except a few and he was basically my only company for a while. When we broke up I had virtually no company....got together with friends VERY rarely due to Sjogren's and a weird work schedule I have.

I've gone through break-ups before and I know how much they suck, however the key seems to be getting my mind off of it and having fun or pouring myself into something else. When I go to work, that seems to work, however I've been flaring so badly lately that that seems to be the only thing I can muster the energy to do (it's only a few blocks away and all I do is sit at a desk...and I can lie down in between assignments...haha it really is an awesome job!). Having my mind on something else works like a charm, however it's hard during the other parts of the day and especially the weekends!

School starts soon and a lot of my friends are coming back, but I have had trouble in the past few days even mustering the energy for a frozen yogurt date.

What can you Sjoggie's suggest to help get my mind off of things?

It's not fair! He has so much energy and can stay busy because his friends are here and...well he doesn't have debilitating fatigue!

[kathylee]

Hey sweetie,
Gosh I feel so not being able to put my arms around you...offer you some tea and comfort..some conversation and company. I am 57 and Have given up on men for the most part cause I just cant handle the breakups with out falling aprt so badly myself. I am glad you have this place to come.
Distract yourself but also have the justifiable feelings. Had a great big cry myself this past week and it helped everything get clearer. Not sure if the big cry works for you..I lucked out in that I have gone on mestinon for newly diagnosed myasthenia gravis and it counteracts the drying of sjogrens. Hadnt had a good cry for years.
The situation could increase your stress and fatigue...so experiment like crazy to see what works...an online class? art? book, movies...try something you have always wanted to do in a way that works. Surprise yourself. Give yourself a gift....a treat..several treats. You deserve it all now.
I'll be thinking of you..let us know how you are.
Hugs.and more hugs

Kathylee

[Pooh]

Hi there kiddo, OMG 24, I can't begin to remember what it was like to be that age.  Well, now that I think about it, I can.  In one big word BUSY.  I had 3 children ages 1 mo., 2 and 4. 

I can't even imagine what you must be going through.  It's enough to be struggling with this horrible disease at my age, let alone yours.   I wish you hugs, love and happiness in the near future.

As to taking your mind off the situation, you will just have to work at it day by day.  Get involved in something you have always wanted to do, but didn't because it would have taken time away from being with him.  Do everything you can, while you can.  Try something different.  Learn to knit (if don't already). 

Please let us know how you are doing, we worry about our chicks when they aren't in the nest.

Hugs, Pooh

[kathylee]

Hi Again,
Couple of interesting/fun things to check out: Isabella Catalogue which has tons of cool stuff for women and Sounds True. they both have websites I believe....Isabella for sure.

Kathylee

[amk922]

I'm 28 and I've had Sjogren's for about 3 years.  I'm sorry to hear your in a funk.  With me some days are better than others, but the down days are pretty miserable.  If you live somewhere you can have a pet, they make it a lot easier when you are lonely, and they'll make you laugh, which makes anyone feel better.  Cats are great (if you're not allergic) since they don't require a lot of energy...just food, water, and a clean litter box.  If you can't have a large pet, even something small would help you occupy your mind with something else while you're home.  My animals help to keep me moving because I know they need me and if I don't take care of them, no one else will. 

[downrabbithole]

Thanks for the tips guys!

I recently got a dog (about a month ago) so he does help...although I feel bad since I've been flaring and its not always easy to walk him.

[kimbo]

OH yes I remember mine. My broken heart when I was 23. I have been married to him 29 years now. 
My heart was in crises for 2-3 months , then we got back together and was married within a month.
I did not have sjogrens then, but the stress would have certainly fatigued me to my knees. I sympathies, I join you in your hurt and I think I might go across my living room and thump my sweet husband. Just for your sake.

I am glad you have a dog, that will help a lot.

Ice cream and Hershey's syrup works for me.

Do simple relaxing , low energy things. hang out in a coffee shop with a newspaper, smile alot at people, you will feel better and you will make others feel better. Strike a simple conversation with people who look interesting.
Some times this season in your life is a time to find your inner self, and peace.
When I went thru my season of heart break I drew deeper into my faith. And took the opportunity to find stability and balance in a closer walk  of  faith direction.
In that I believe my now husband saw me become more solid in myself.

Prayers and big Huggs.
You may pour your heart out here in this family of sjoggies.

kimbo