Connie Reece

Today is World Sjögren’s Day. I’m something of an expert on Sjögren’s (pronounced SHOW-grins) Syndrome. No, I’m not a doctor. I live with this chronic illness. 

Sjögren’s is a systemic condition that attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands. This sicca (dryness) syndrome can affect every part of the body (illustration), although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes, dry nose and dry mouth. 

With Sjögren’s the dry eye issues can include a burning sensation, itching, sensitivity to light, visual fatigue, blurred vision, and a sandy/gritty feeling. All of which are aggravated by working on a computer for hours a day. Since 1999 I have had punctal plugs, tiny silicone implants in the ducts in the lower eyelid, to help the tears I still produce stay on my eyes longer.

In addition to feeling like you have a mouth full of cotton balls, the dry mouth issues with Sjögren’s can include burning or pain, trouble swallowing, change in sense of taste, and increased tooth decay.

In my case, medication and regular massage have dramatically reduced the joint and muscle pain that accompany Sjögren’s. But I still struggle with frequent fatigue and periods of “brain fog” that have now made working full-time impossible. I’m thrilled to be able to work part-time, though.

Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Patients may also have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.

Sjögren’s affects some 4 million Americans. Nine out of ten of them are women. 

For more information, visit the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation.