Are you a guy who’d rather suck lemons than talk about your Sjogren’s syndrome?
Men who are living with Sjogren’s syndrome are sometimes forgotten because the disease mostly affects women (in 9 out of 10 cases) in the United States.
And let’s face it, men can have a hard time in general sharing their feelings, expressing themselves, and opening up as it is! I mean, why is this? Plus, being faced with a chronic illness may make it even harder for them to express themselves. But what’s most important is the fact that support is out there and easy to access.
So if you are a guy who’s been diagnosed with this autoimmune disease that affects nearly 4 million Americans, pick up the phone and dial: 1 (800) 475-6473.
Here are some basic facts about Sjogren’s:
Common Symptoms: Feeling of dehydration which includes fatigue, dry mouth and eyes, pain in the joints.
Seriousness of Sjogren’s: While symptoms can be mild, for some, symptoms can worsen and become debilitating. The entire body is affected which can lead to inflammation and certain cancers such as lymphomas.
Because symptoms of Sjogren’s can mirror other chronic illnesses and diseases, it’s easy to be misdiagnosed, which can have consequences as Sjogren’s is systemic, it can affect most organs. For many people, it can take years to diagnose as it’s a disease of exclusion. This is why it’s key to educate yourselves and consult a specialist or highly informed physician if you suspect you may have this condition.
Remember: Sjogren’s does not discriminate, every ethnic group can be affected.
Get the support you need and contact the Sjogren’s Foundation. They know what they’re doing!
