Imagine what it would feel like to cry, but have no tears.
Imagine trying to eat without being able to swallow your food.
Imagine waking up in the morning without being able to get out of bed.
Imagine a mouthful of cavities and sores because your own saliva wasn't around to protect...
This is my life and only a few of the symptoms I already have or will develop in my future.
-Paula Sosin, 2009
Sjögren’s (pronounced "SHOW-grins") is a disease that affects women predominantly in their late 40’s and 50’s, however, I was diagnosed before I turned 20. Sjögren’s patients struggle with extreme dryness in their salivary glands and tear ducts, which can eventually affect the internal organs, nervous system and even cause malignant lymphoma. Typically patients with Sjögren’s also suffer from more than one autoimmune disease. For further info about Sjögren’s visit: http://www.sjogrens.org/
Living with Sjogrens has been something I’ve had to do for over two years now. I was diagnosed with this among various other autoimmune diseases, which has changed my life forever:
· Hashimoto's Thyroiditis—which began with a 20 lb. weight loss, this affect’s one’s metabolism, it causes physical achiness and constipation
· Raynaud’s Syndrome—this I’ve had since a child, but it has worsened significantly; affecting circulation in my extremities causing a sensitivity to coldness, where my fingers and toes turn blue, purple, black or even white with numbness, or hot and clammy with redness
· Fibromyalgia—extreme achiness, fatigue and muscle weakness
· Sjögren’s—as described above along with overall joint pain
· Other symptoms I’ve been dealing with are: low blood pressure, an occasional low heart rate, regurgitation (as a result of a weakened sphincter muscle due to the Raynaud’s), Anemia, and dizziness
Unless you have gone through what I have, it is very difficult to understand what people with any such a debilitating disease truly encounter or what it may feel like to have your life change forever, for something entirely out of your control. Besides the physical barriers that might keep me from carrying on with life at the same ease as years prior, I have gained a greater awareness of the importance of living well by staying healthy and doing what I enjoy.
I am now finishing my junior year at the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in Visual Communications with a minor in English. I am the President of the Yoga Club, a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter, a volunteer for the Main Street Journal, Caesura Magazine, UDress Magazine, and a recent inductee of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honors Society. In spite of all my health issues, I don’t let them keep me from pursuing my dreams!
Please take my story along with you as an incentive to possibly change the lives of millions who suffer with Sjogren’s Disease as I do. Give the 4 million Sjogren’s patients and 3 million who have not been properly diagnosed a chance to live a healthy life with the best possible care, even if researchers have yet to find a cure at this time.
My mother and I will be walking on behalf of the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation. Join our team on May 22nd in the Reston Town Center (VA) or make a contribution to bring us closer to finding that cure!
Thanks so much!
Love, Paula
TO DONATE: you may upload below or mail Paula a personal check, made out to SSF, Attention: Greater Washington Region Walkabout. (Mail to: 22006 White Trellis Lane, Boyds, MD 20841)
If you have any questions or would like more information you may contact me via email: sweetp1238@aol.com or cell: 301-538-3422.