--- title: "Faces of Sjogren's: Shelly" description: Faces of Sjogren's --- [![Sjogrens](https://info.sjogrens.org/hs-fs/file-1607078412-gif/Sjogrens_Image/ssf_logo.gif)](http://www.sjogrens.org/) YOUR CREDIBLE SJÖGREN'S RESOURCE - [Home](http://www.sjogrens.org/home) - [Login/Register](http://www.sjogrens.org/home/member-community) - [SSF Store](http://www.sjogrens.org/ssfstore) - [Contact us](http://www.sjogrens.org/home/about-the-foundation/contact-us) # Faces of Sjogren's: Shelly's Journey ![clip image002](https://info.sjogrens.org/hs-fs/file-17863659-gif/images/clip_image002.gif) **When I was diagnosed with Sjögren's, my first thought was…** **"Well, that makes a lot of sense but now what?" ** I was diagnosed around Christmas of 2011 at the age of 23, however I’ve had symptoms since I was in my teens.  When I received my diagnosis, my rheumatologist offered no treatment options and told me “Follow up every 6 months with blood work” – that’s it.  At this point, I didn’t even know how to pronounce Sjögren’s let alone manage it.  With no support from my rheumatologist, I searched the internet to better understand my disease and discovered the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation.  Here is what I discovered about living with Sjögren’s: - I am young to have a diagnosis however I don’t like to use the word ‘young’, I like to use ‘lucky’ instead.  I am lucky to have an early diagnosis. - I am blessed to have a Sjögren’s Syndrome Center within driving distance of my house and I will utilize the center as much as I possibly can. - I’m scared of the risks associated with the disease and the medications taken for the disease.  - I haven’t taken life for granted as much as I used to. - Though it’s been hard, I have learned to accept that sometimes I am not going to have the energy to do what I would like.  I am my biggest critic so this has been one of the hardest aspects of the disease for me to accept. - Through my diagnosis, I have learned that worrying only leads to flares in the disease so don’t worry! - Shelly [Click Here to view more Faces of Sjögren's stories ](http://www.sjogrens.org/home/get-connected/faces-of-sjogrens)   ### Follow Me © 2021 Sjögren’s Foundation 10701 Parkridge Blvd. Suite 170, Reston, VA  20191 [(Privacy Policy)](http://www.sjogrens.org/privacy-policy)   (301) 530-4420 · 301 530-4415 (Fax)