--- title: "Faces of Sjogren's: Beverly" 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: Beverly's Journey **![Beverly](https://info.sjogrens.org/hs-fs/file-17863075-jpg/images/beverly.jpg?width=150&height=185&name=beverly.jpg)When I was diagnosed with Sjögren's, my first thought was…** **"I remember seeing that disease in nursing school a long time ago."** I didn’t remember much about it other than the unusual spelling. The diagnosis came in the summer of 2008. I had been experiencing [dry eyes](https://info.sjogrens.org/conquering-sjogrens/?Tag=Dry+Eyes) and [dry mouth ](http://www.sjogrens.org/home/about-sjogrens-syndrome/symptoms/dry-mouth)since approximately 2003. I attributed the eye and oral symptoms to the aging process. In November of 2006 I was seen in the emergency room for chest pain and dizziness. I was advised at the time of visit that lung nodules were found. The findings in the emergency room visit resulted in evaluations from a cardiologist, pulmonary specialist, chest surgeon and finally a rheumatologist. I read everything I could find on Sjogren’s to educate myself. I participated in a study conducted by the NIH which I viewed as a way of broadening researchers’ knowledge. I participate in the friends helping friends awareness campaign as well as the annual [Walkabout](http://www.sjogrens.org/home/get-connected/walkabouts) and the family fun day held this past year, as well as the [SSF Patient Conference](http://www.sjogrens.org/home/get-connected/patient-seminars) in Reston, Va in 2011. Which was an awesome educational experience! It helps knowing that I continue to work thanks to the support of my husband.  He takes care of household duties when [fatigue](https://info.sjogrens.org/www.sjogrens.org/files/brochures/fatigue_fighters.pdf) sets in. I have intermittent Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which takes into account the times of flare-ups requiring that I take sick leave. FMLA also allows for regular medical follow-up necessary for management of this condition. -Beverly [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)