World Sjögren's Day 2017

Posted on Sat, Jul 01, 2017

World Sjögren's Day commemorates the birthday of Henrik Sjögren, the Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified the disease in 1933 and has helped all patients find answers to their health questions. This year, the SSF will join with other organizations around the world to celebrate recent advancements made in Sjögren's this past year and raise awareness of the disease in honor of Dr. Sjögren.

World Sjögren's Day helps put a face on the millions of people who live with this disease or suffer from symptoms and have yet to be diagnosed. It gives everyone touched by Sjögren's a vehicle to reach out and educate those close to them - family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. - about the disease.

We encourage you to use this opportunity to let your voice heard and talk about Sjögren’s with the people in your life. By sharing your story and educating others, you are helping to form the message that Sjögren's is a serious disease that deserves to be recognized. You may also be helping someone who is looking for answers to their problems.

How Can You Get Involved:

Share Your Story & Raise Funds! Create a personalized fundraising page and share why the cause is so important to you. Then encourage family and friends to support your efforts by making a donation to help further Sjögren's research and education.
Update your social media profile picture with the “World Sjögren’s Day” filter
Host an Awareness Event
Donate to the SSF
Talk about Sjögren’s!

What is Sjögren’s?

Sjögren’s (“SHOW-grins”) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. Along with symptoms of extensive dryness, other serious complications include profound fatigue, chronic pain, major organ involvement, neuropathies and lymphomas.

Today, as many as four million Americans are living with this disease and nine out of ten patients are women with an average age of onset in the late 40’s. However, Sjögren’s can occur in all age groups, even in children.

UPDATE:

World Sjögren’s Day Raises over $8,000!

Thank you to everyone who shared their story and donated in honor of World Sjögren’s Day, which was created to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Henrik Sjögren! Together, we not only increased awareness of this debilitating disease but also raised over $8,000 for Sjögren’s research and SSF patient programs!

Remember, even though the day has passed you can still donate in honor of Dr. Sjögren and all patients. Click here to learn more.

Topics: World Sjogren's Day, Advocacy, #ThisIsSjögrens

Robin

I've had blood tests that came back Neg. For Sjorgrens,is it possible to have the disease and false blood tests!? I have ALOT of the symptoms!! Is there any other tests!? Thank you!!

Diane

I finally tested 5120 once on the ANA. So doc thinks it's sjogrens.. Have been on plaqunil for ten years. Never had ANA So high like that. Next test ANA NOT HIGH AT ALL. FEEL VERY WEAK, THICK SINUS MUCUS, MEMORY BAD, FELL FOGGY. HAD CYST REMOVED 3 TIMES FROM UPPER JAW.

Rosalind

Hi Robin, My first diagnosis was with a particular type of Vasculitis: MicroPolyAngeitis, which luckily was pinpointed before I became gravely ill and possibly paralysed. However, because I discussed other symptoms with my Vasculitis doctor he did a biopsy and it was found that behind the MPA I have Sjogrens. I know this is a reverse of your situation, but it's worth asking about other autoimmune diseases because they are so often not diagnosed (e.g., many opthamolagists do not test for Sjogrens when patients complain of dry eyes). There are many types of Vasculitis and there are so many other possibilities: RA, Lupus and others. Do perservere, it's very important you get a diagnosis as soon as you possibly can to get on top of the problem to get the best treatment. I hope you find a diagnosis that helps you get the meds and support you need. You could also get another blood test and ask for a biopsy from another doctor & lab.

Mary Ann

7-19-17 I have had sjogrens for quit some time. It took them forever to diagnose it. Now I am trying to find a Dr. that specializes in sjogrens. I live in Jacksonville Fl. and none in this town. Are there any Dr's. in this area of the country that are specialized in sjogrens? Thanks Mary Ann

Diane

I typed in wrong line. Its 5am .have not had my coffee yet. Feel crappy as usual. Just wanted to let I know the doc that diagnose autoimmune diseases. I always wondered what doc I should go to to see whatscwrong with me. But first one needs a referral from primary doc. My primary doc finally said he thinks it's lupus. So I got a referral to rheumatologist. Good luck. But my rheumatologist says it's shortens cause one ANA lan came back 5120.. Never had such a high lan like that. Apparently it flucuates. Its also not an indicator of level of disease. I'm only telling what I have experienced. Or what I have gathered from my experience. Rheumatologist says my disease is nonspecific. Except that very high ANA INDICATES SJOGRENS. IM WEAK. HAVE VERY THICK MUCUS IN SINUS. FEEL NO TOO WELL MAJORITY OF TIMES. BAD MEMORY. GOOD LUCK

Nancy Nix

Are you saying the Mayo doesn't have any Dr that treat Sjogrens?

Rebecca

Your Rheumatologist can order a Lip Biopsy.

Tested positive for sjogrens. Have broken out with a rash over both arms that itches like crazy.

Conquering Sjogren’s: Follow us on our journey to change the face of Sjogren’s