MedifocusHealth

Participation with the healthcare team in order to maximize the extent of relief from various symptoms is very important. Cooperative efforts can be helpful regarding:

• Stress reduction
• Comfort management
• Pain management
• Acquisition of habits which reduce symptoms discomfort
• Preventing secondary complications such as infections

• Adhering to scheduled visits with healthcare providers is important in order to:

  • monitor your clinical status
  • monitor laboratory tests
  • recognize and commence early treatment for any new complications which may develop

• Treatment for depression or anxiety

Women with Sjogren's syndrome often report that the lack of a definitive diagnosis is extremely frustrating for them. Women report that their symptoms are often not taken seriously by their health care providers and some report being told that they were neurotic or depressed. Many women report suffering for several years without a diagnosis. Part of the reason for this delay in diagnosis is that Sjogren's syndrome often appears around the age of menopause so that symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome may overlap with naturally occurring conditions such as increasing vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness impacts significantly for some women as intercourse may be painful and there is a general discomfort from continued dryness. Sexual life is completely interrupted and the frustration is magnified when there is no help or support from a health care provider.

It is essential for women to be educated about the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome that may affect their daily lives and to contact support groups, organizations, or professionals who may be able to provide advice, guidance, and appropriate treatment.

One of the major symptoms that many patients with Sjogren's syndrome find very debilitating is fatigue which is described as an intense feeling of physical and mental exhaustion and can lead to:

• Emotional stress
• Depression
• Increased irritability and intolerance
• General lethargy

Related to fatigue is the common occurrence of fibromyalgia which is reported by many Sjogren's syndrome patients. In addition to the medications that may be prescribed to control or minimize the pain of this condition, patients may benefit from trying various methods of coping with fibromyalgia, including:

• Regular exercise regimens that should be determined in cooperation with a health care provider
• Fast walking

• Physical therapy that may incorporate various modalities of treatment, including:

  • passive stretching exercises
  • massage treatment
  • application of heat compresses
  • lidocaine injections at pain trigger points

Patients with Sjogren's syndrome report that family and friends may not understand the extent of the impact of symptoms on their quality of life which may in itself add to the feelings of anxiety and depression. In addition, any major changes in the daily routine of a patient with Sjogren's syndrome may exacerbate physical and psychological stress. Patients who experience fatigue as one of their symptoms may benefit from modifying their behavior to maximize their energy levels. Modifications may include:

• Pacing daily activities or particular activities to preserve strength
• Modified exercise regimen
• Mental stimulation
• Relaxation exercises as needed during the day

It is important for patients with Sjogren's syndrome to remember to take along with them all of their sprays, gels, medications, and other items that aid in control of their symptoms when they are away from home (e.g., trips, vacations, office).