Faces of Sjogren's: Jennifer's Story
When I was diagnosed with Sjögren's, my first thought was...
“No way. I don’t feel that sick.” After several treatments for “sinus infections” over the span of a few years, my doctor decided to refer me to an Ear Nose & Throat specialist. That doctor found no evidence of a sinus infection so he ran some blood tests that eventually led to a letter from the Centers for Disease Control diagnosing me with Lyme Disease.
Frantically, my husband inspected for me a lingering tick. We found nothing. It was 10 pm. I called my primary care doctor’s emergency line and was asked to report to the office first thing in the morning. However, it was then that I learned that I didn’t have Lyme Disease- I had Sjögren's.
Since my diagnosis, I’ve met two amazing doctors who answer ALL of my questions even if I ask the same question twice because I need reassurance of my fate. My husband has been unbelievably supportive. He makes sure that I’m on top of my health and doing everything I can to live as comfortably as possible.
I continue to live as vigorously and positively as I can because of the supporters in my life. Sure my daily life has changed in many ways. I have to take medicine, use eye drops, make sure I get enough rest and take care of my body, but it’s worth it. I will only get this one life and I’m going to LIVE IT and LIVE IT MEMORABLY!
-Jennifer