Bexi's Diagnostic Journey

Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) affects 3 to 4 million Americans, 90% of whom are women, most of whom remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.  Sjogren’s is a serious autoimmune disease that can impact every organ and system in the body.  Sjogren’s is as common as rheumatoid arthritis and about 3 times as common as lupus, two more well-known autoimmune diseases.

Lori's Diagnostic Journey

In fall 1994, the skin on my fingers began to crack and bleed. I tried cream, petroleum jelly, and bandages, but nothing provided relief (I learned it’s called “mechanic’s hands”).  In spring of 1995, the cracking cleared up, but the joints in my hands began to swell and my knuckles became huge and painful.  The pain was constant, but I was still able to do most things, though I lost dexterity.

Therese's Diagnostic Journey

Therese first felt something was wrong in March of 2020. She saw her primary care (nurse practitioner) because she was sick with viral infections from October 2019 to February 2020. She initially had a dry, nagging cough that lingered for months and felt like something was off with her body.

Christina's Diagnostic Journey

In July 2014, the night before she was supposed to take her mother to a musical in Toronto, Christina woke up to find the room spinning, feeling as though she had just stepped off a carousel. Her head felt heavy as she crawled nauseously towards the bathroom. She went to see a doctor, who diagnosed her with vertigo.

Salma's Diagnostic Journey

My diagnostic journey began when I was 36. At the time, I had no symptoms other than constant constipation. This would be brought on by even the slightest change in what I ate. Even before I turned 36, it was not uncommon for me to feel constipated, since I always had a sensitive stomach.

Russel's Diagnostic Journey

For me autoimmune disease has been a long journey, often forcing me to look to heaven and say “God, when we meet you are going to have to explain why I had to endure this.”