Sjogren’s Syndrome – Introduce yourself and meet others

Sounds like everyone on this thread has multiple diseases and health issues. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's disease (it's been reclassified since some patients/providers didn't think syndrome was to be taken seriously!) 15 yrs. ago. My dentist noticed inflammation and sent me to an immunologist and out of 40 tests, the only things that came back positive were Sjogren's antibody test and gluten intolerance. I have been on hydroxychloroquine since then and have a great rheumatologist in Austin, Texas. I found a website that tells you how many patients of each autoimmune disease the rheumies have in their practice and Dr. Osgood had over 200. He is very good and sends my bloodwork over to a hematologist/oncologist to make sure I'm not getting lymphoma and tracking my trends. I also take pregabalin for the neuropathy. My other symptoms are difficulty swallowing, gastroparesis, joint and muscle pain, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety disorder (duh!) and, of course, dry eyes and mouth. I also have 8 stents in my heart, severe spinal stenosis with scoliosis and am due for a major spinal surgery soon. I am on a 12 mo. course of Evenity to increase bone density and the side effects are very similar to Sjogren's symptoms. So I get 2 for 1!!!! It's easy to give up some days and just be resigned to it all. But I read a quote by Michael J. Fox (Parkinson's) who said "acceptance doesn't mean resignation". I have a
wonderful therapist who helps me with the anxiety disorder. I try to find one thing each day to get excited about, even if it's just my morning coffee, a good book or movie, calling a friend. I have learned to look for "glimmers" in daily life, little things that can bring joy. I made a glimmer box with notes, letters, cards and small tokens of encouragement and I get it out on really rough days. My daughter died of heart disease and that adds to my mental health issues at times. But I have people I love and friends who listen. I try not to let my disease own me (another quote.) I hope that all of you find some peace and joy in your lives, even though I know it's hard to get out of bed some days. And maybe some days we shouldn't! I have been told by my rheumatologist that the new Sjogren's medication just approved by the FDA will be available soon. Not a cure, but promising for help with symptoms. I hope my insurance (Medicare & supplemental) will pay for it. I have always used the Mayo Clinic website for updates on Sjogren's since I know they have a fantastic clinic. I appreciate this forum and am grateful to hear that others are willing to share their stories. I also get the Sjogren's Foundation website and e-mail updates. Best of luck to all of you and I will look for your postings to see if you are getting any answers or relief. God bless.