When I think about future concerns related to Sjogren’s Syndrome, I have two questions. How is Sjogren’s treated? Is there a cure for Sjogren’s. They are two parts of one question. “Will I have Sjogren’s for the rest of my life?”
Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. writes at www.drweil.com., “Since Sjögren’s Syndrome can’t be cured, conventional treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms.”
Focus on Future Concerns
When I focus on future concerns, I can get discouraged. Each specialist I see seems to tell me some a bit different. All say that my symptoms may get worse.
Its difficult to image dealing with more intense dry mouth. I adjust the foods I each 
and what I drink for the change in my taste tolerance. I adjust spiciness for the tiny splits in my tongue.
My wonderful scolera contact lenses have helped my dry eyes. But I clean then several times a day, because of changes to my eyes.
Sleep comes a bit earlier in the evening as increased fatigue sets in.
So sometimes I get discouraged thinking knowing these symptoms will be with me for the rest of my life. To resist being discouraged I read about the experiences of others. Their triumphs encourage me. Their setbacks let me know I am not alone.
The Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation’s website is an invaluable resource for everything from research updates to personal stories. All articles are listed separately on the net or found in the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation magazine.
Typing “Sjogrens” or any question about Sjogren’s, into a browser search bar, will show hundreds of articles on every aspect of this auto immune disease.
An ongoing discussion can be found at the “Sjogrens Blog” on Facebook. Here anyone can read about the personal experiences of others and share their own experience.
Focus on Today
Because Sjogren’s symptoms and treatments make my future seem uncertain, I focus on today. What will I do today despite my Sjogren’s.
Diet
Food tastes differently now. Bland can seem sour. Sour is almost unbearable. Certain spices are uncomfortable on my tongue. Some foods I love now cause indigestion. Enjoying meals that aren’t touched by my Sjogren’s symptoms is important to me.
The Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation publishes a column called “Diet and Food Tips.” These are tips on preparing food.
A search for “sjogren’s diet” brings up dozens of articles. For example, Dr. Ann Myers regularly publishes articles on how eating affect Sjogren’s. Dr. Meyers offers a free recipe ebook for subscribers to her newsletter.
Vision
I am thankful for my ophthalmologist who prescribed Scholera lenses for my dry eyes. They do have to be cleaned. My eyes are cloudy some days, but I enjoy not having pain and dryness in my eyes during the day. I try not to worry about changes to my eyes in the future.
Fatigue
When fatigue hits, I rest.
This is a simple way to focus on today. I am learning not to worry about what I can’t get done. I rest and then do what I can.
I have always thought of needing to rest as a weakness. Resting can mean sleeping during the evening through the night, now I enjoy it and make no excuses.
Aches and Pains
John Hopkins Medicine in an article on Joint Pain states, “Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Multiple joints are painful, usually episodically with periods of joint pain, known as “flares”, followed by periods of little or no joint pain.”
This is certainly true for me. I simply take over the counter anti-inflammatories to relieve the pain. This helps me with what I am doing today.
I can’t help be concerned about the future as I look at the drastic health changes from the recent past. But, focusing on today, helps my deal with my symptoms and enjoy life despite Sjogren’s.
Take a moment to leave a comment below? Do you focus on today or future concerns? What is your biggest concern, related to Sjogren’s?
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