I am 52 years old. I have just recently been diagnosed with Sjogrens'. I most noticed the painful joints after inactivity. Sometimes I can hardly walk. I have some dry eye problems but not the mouth. I did have some shortness of breath while lying down. Walking daily and rest seem to help me.

I was diagnosed with Cancer of the limp glands as my doctors said about 30 years ago I was sent to Brisbane to have many tests. Pleased to say they came back clear. Then I was sent to a doctor who after many tests again he told me I had Sjogrens Syndrome. The Doctors in my area had never heard of it .I was rung by many doctors for the symptoms that I suffered as they thought their patients may have it also and they asked if there patients could ring me to find out the suffering I was having. I suffer with many pains in my joints and have had one knee replaced with the other to be done in about 6 months. Reflux in my case in my case I have been taken to hospital with a suspected heart attack .The pain is so hard to accept. Yes my joints are not good and my eyes give me trouble and dry mouth for which I use eye drops and drink lots of water. So as you can see after 30 years I was a test pig all those years ago. I have learnt to live with it and suck lots of Mylanta tablets for the pain that is always in my chest 30 years is a long time I have to live with it.

I am 39 years old. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome 2 years ago. My Rheumatologist said that I had actually had it for over 10 years. I had a saliva gland removed in 2001 due to a blockage. He was able to get those biopsy results and said I had it then. I have lots of teeth problems. They decay "oddly". I actually got diagnosed because I started having extreme joint pain, especially in my hips. My blood work came back that I had lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. They sent me to a Rheumatologist and he diagnosed the Sjogren's. I have extreme dry mouth and lips, GERD, fatigue, joint pain and some dry eye issues but not terribly. I will sometimes do really well for several months and then have a flare and hardly be able to move. I take Plaquenil daily, Prednisone during flares, Prilosec and Zantac for GERD, and Tizanidine for the muscle cramps and to help me sleep. I am concerned because I now have a recurring pain in my right abdomen near my rib. I am going for a cat scan in a couple of weeks for that. Hope it's nothing. My Rheumatologist thinks I am doing well, but I sure don't feel like I am.

My rheumatologist told me that the prognosis is very good. I am 34 and was diagnosed 1 year ago. I have suffered with dry nasal passages about 10 years. A couple of years ago, There were times that I was so stiff and sore that I could barely walk open doors or write my name. After some blood work, I was thought to have lupus but was diagnosed with Sjogren's. I take Plaquenil daily, Zyrtec for my allergies, Protonix for GERD, 800 mg Ibuprofen and Tramadol for pain. Every day is a struggle but I deal with it one day at a time.

I was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome about 15 years ago. I go regularly to my doctor. I drink a lot of water and exercise regularly. I have been gluten-free for more than 10 years, and it helps my digestive system. I take Evoxac medication to help jump start fluid-producing glands as well. My advice is to never give into the disease, fight, go on with your life; move past the pain and fatigue.