Dry Eyes, Dry Mouth - Do You Have Sjogren's?
Sjogren's (show-grins) Syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjogren's may also cause dryness of other organs, affecting the kidneys, GI tract, blood vessels, lung, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Many patients experience debilitating fatigue and joint pain. Symptoms can plateau, worsen, or go into remission. While some people experience mild symptoms, others suffer debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their quality of life.
Your body's autoimmune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture producing glands. Sjogren's is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders, striking as many as 4,000,000 Americans. Nine out of ten patients are women. The average age of onset is late 40s although Sjogren's occurs in all age groups in both women and men.
How I Live with Sjogren's Syndrome
I'm blessed to have a rheumatologist and opthomologist who have diagnosed me based on my symptoms and treat these symptoms to make me as comfortable as possible.
I have tear duct plugs, use artificial tears and gel, am on a prescription called Restasis for my dry eyes, visit my dentist every 3-4 months, brush my teeth 3 times a day, floss as often as I can, use a calcium tooth paste that remains on my teeth at ntight, and have my eyes checked regularly. My rhuemy sees me every 3 months and although I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis which is under control, helps me to deal with the joint pain.
Having doctors that you can partner with, that listen to you and keep abreast of the latest research is essential to your health. Be proactive in your health care!
April has been designated Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month. This is an important time to share our stories about this disease with others. I hope that you will join me in getting the word out. Any time is the right time!
Feel free to post your comments or questions here. Please visit, join and donate to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation. This group is in the forefront of getting funding for research and educating people especially doctors.
My eBay Store
Although I have several chronic illnesses including Sjogren's Syndrome I try to stay active. One of the ways I is by selling and buying on eBay. Our store is ShawnsBidness Collectibles. I get a lot of enjoyment out of selling and "meeting" my customers. Most of what we sell are Disney items. I am a huge Disney fan so doing this is like fun all the time! Sjogren's Syndrome Links
- Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation
- This is the Foundation that is working to educate, raise awareness and encourage research for SS.
- SS Foundation Support Groups
- Support groups are a great way to learn to cope, get educated and have fun.
- Sjogren's World Forums
- A worldwide Internet Community created for those who have Sjogren's Syndrome. It is a place for all to meet and share experiences and knowledge with others who live with Sjogren's in order to improve quality of life. The loneliness and isolation that often accompanies living with this *rare* disease need not be.
- Care Place - Sjogrens Community
- Support, education and fun too!
- Brain Foggles Blog
- Blog about living with Chronic Illnesses, being an advocate for others. Let's get the word out - having a chronic illness doesn't mean you have to look sick!
- My Chronic Life
- I have multiple chronic illnesses but they don't have me!
Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation
The Foundation's mission is to educate patients and their families about Sjögren's syndrome, Increase public and professional awareness of Sjögren's syndrome and Encourage research into new treatments and a cure.
Humidifiers and Supplies
Soleus Air CFM-40 E 40-Pint Dehumidifier with Humidistat
Amazon Price: $216.29 (as of 07/26/2008)
Honeywell HAC504 Replacement Humidifier Filter
Amazon Price: $7.90 (as of 07/26/2008)
ProTec PC-1 Humidifier Tank Cleaning Cartridge
Amazon Price: $4.88 (as of 07/26/2008)
Crane Adorable 1 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier, Penguin Shape
Amazon Price: $30.13 (as of 07/26/2008)
Medisana Ultrasonic Personal Humidifier
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
Some Symptoms of Sjogrens
Here's some of the symptoms that go along with Sjogren's:
*Dry eyes sometime having a sandy or gritty feeling in them
*Dry mouth even after drinking water
*Difficulty chewing or swallowing
*Sore or dry throat
*Sore, burning or cracked tongue and/or lips
*Dry nasal passages
*Joint pain
*Digestive problems
*Extremely dry skin, sometimes itchy and even cracking open
*Loss of difference in sense of taste
*Fatigue
*Dental decay even if caring for your teeth correctly
There are many different ways to treat or minimize these symptoms. Different doctors will be involved with your care. If you are diagnosed with Sjogren's or even Sicca (dryness) it is very important to let all of your doctors know about this.
Some prescriptions or over the counter meds can worsen your symptoms. You may need to make some changes in your diet too. Although there isn't a cure there are ways to make you feel more comfortable. Be sure to tell your doctors about what's bothering you instead of suffering in silence.
Great Stuff on CafePress
State of Florida Proclamation
April is Sjogren's Awareness Month in Florida
eBay Items for People With Sjogrens
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ShawnsBidnes Collectibles on eBay
My hubby and I run an eBay store. I use my Me page and even some of our items to advocate for Sjogren's Syndrome.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byKeep Your Eyes Safe In The Sun
Smith Method Sunglasses - Photochromic - Polarized
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Take a spin out on the water and ward off glare and varying light conditions with the Smith Photochromic Polarized Sunglasses.
Kaenon UPD Sunglasses - Polarized
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Fox Eyewear The Story Sunglasses - Women's
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Julbo Dino Kids' Sunglasses
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Electric EC/DC Sunglasses - Polarized
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Electric's EC/DC polarized sunglass is more than a pair of shadesit's a statement.
Your Mouth Counts Too
LipLovers Lip Balm - Cantaloupe, 10 Units / 0.21 oz
Price: $33.99
Our lips get so dry. This is just right to keep them moist!
Vanilla Tangerine Lip Balm
Price: $1.49
Great smelling lip balm with SPF 15 Can be conveniently carried around your neck Don't be caught in the sun without it
DuWop Buttercream Lip Balm
Price: $15.00
This luscious lip balm is, without a doubt, one of the most indulgent products on the market. In addition to impressive moisturizing abilities, the ir... more »
Slippery Elm - Sugar Free, 100 count
Price: $8.99
These gentle all natural oral demulcents are for temporary relief of minor discomfort and protection of irritated areas in sore mouths and throats. N... more »
Blogs About Sjogren's
- Another New Sjogren's Blog
- Vicky at the Sjogren's and Me blog is another new voice in the Sjogren's Syndrome world. Her blog ri...
- The Sjogren's Syndrome Damage Index--a damage index for use in ...
- Total damage score correlated with disease duration at study entry (r = 0.436; P < 0.001), physic...
- Healing Fibromyalgia, Sjogren's Syndrome, IBS, and More
- I am referring to healing Fibromyalgia, Sjogren's Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Irritable Blad...
- Dental X-Rays: When to Get Them
- Title: Dental X-Rays: When to Get Them Category: Procedures and Tests Created: 7/11/2008 Last Editor...
Sjogren's Books on Amazon
The Sjogren's Syndrome Survival Guide
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/26/2008)
The New Sjogren's Syndrome Handbook (Sjogrens Syndrome Foundation)
Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 07/26/2008)
Positive Options for Sjogren's Syndrome: Self-Help and Treatment (Positive Options Series)
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 07/26/2008)
Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
Sjogren's Syndrome - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References
Amazon Price: $28.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
Let Me Know!
Like this Lens? Have Sjogren's? Know Someone Who Does?
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coolrate
Hi, Colorful lens. A lot of information. Step into this site Posted June 05, 2008 |
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krisManuel
Great information! 5* Posted April 25, 2008 |
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YardsaleSurfer
Hello, my aunt has Sjogren's. This is a very informative lens. 5*s! Yardsale Surfer ~ The Online Market Place For People Who Know Their Stuff Posted November 02, 2007 |
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flicker
Very informative! My hygenist recently told me to use prescription strength flouride toothpaste and/or rinse with flouride mouthwash - due to dry mouth. Didn't realize till now that it could cause dental probs. Posted October 25, 2007 |
To my Sjogren's Syndrome best friend! What would we do without each other to talk to and help with kids. I pray for our Christian Chronic Support Group everyday!
luv and hugs, Dana
Posted October 21, 2007
