--- title: "Faces of Sjogren's: Iris's Journey" --- [![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: Iris's Journey ![Iris new](https://info.sjogrens.org/hs-fs/file-17869116-jpg/images/iris_new.jpg?width=193&height=153&name=iris_new.jpg)**When I was first diagnosed with Sjögren's, my first thought was...** ** "What the heck is that?"** I had never heard of it. Then I started reading everything I could get my hands on. At the time of my diagnoses, I was going through many stressful events, a criminal trial against a stalker, building a new house, planning a wedding and working 6 days a week.   I was exhausted all the time and attributed it to all the stress. My [eyes](https://info.sjogrens.org/conquering-sjogrens/bid/230104/Top-5-Tips-for-Treating-Dry-Eye) had been in horrendous shape for years, and though I went to a well known cornea specialist, Sjögren's was never, ever mentioned. The dryness was so bad, I had many torn corneas.   A wonderful neurologist put the pieces together, ran some tests, and diagnosed me. He connected me with a caring,smart rheumy who has been working with me for years. Am so blessed to have this man as my doctor.   I had to leave my job, which I loved. My vision is up and down. I have learned to pace myself. Ok, I have to pace myself. No choice. It has put life in perspective and what is important. Is it easy?  No. Total lifestyle change. I have picked up a couple more AI (autoimmune) diseases along the way. Every good few hours is a gift, and even a good hour to do a workout is wonderful. Never give up! I've named it the Trick or Treat disease. You never know which it will be.   -Iris  [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)