What is Sjogren’s Syndrome?

According to the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, the disease is characterized by dry eyes and mouth which happens when a person’s white blood cells attack the body’s moisture-producing glands. As with all autoimmunes, Sjogren’s also affects other parts of the body.

 

 

Over the past year, I’ve had increasing issues with my eyes. They feel irritated, my vision is blurry, I cannot see at night and I do not tolerate contacts well or for very long. I have trouble focusing, my eyes tire very quickly and after a few minutes of speaking with someone they jump back a foot or so (if that makes any sense).

 

My rheumatologist told me I probably developed secondary Sjogren’s. This is a relatively common diagnosis in RA patients. Many symptoms are shared between these conditions with the addition of the systematic dryness. I visited the retinal specialist my doctor recommended and he agreed I suffered from severe dry eye. My long list of grievances were all explained by the uncontrolled RA symptoms.

 

As a result, I can no longer wear contacts. I risk injuring my eyes more than I already have. As a result of my dry eye there is not enough oxygen flow through contacts (even dailies) and I can contract a serious infection or even go blind. I am not the biggest fan of glasses. A better way to put it is, I hate glasses. I would totally risk all of the above if I tolerated contacts better.

The upside of this is I got to buy a new pair of specs! When I updated my last pair, a couple of years ago, the technician warned me they may break my glasses because the frame was too small for the appropriate lens. I told them it was okay and I would buy a new pair if necessary. In two years my power jumped from -7.00 to 9.25 (right eye) and -6.50 to 8.75 (left) so there was no way my current frames would make it. So, the upside is I got to buy a new set of glasses! Weee!

 

And…below is the nail art I created inspired by Sjogrens…hope you like it!

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I started with 2 coats of Barry M Lychee as my base.

I used bubble wrap with China Glaze UV Meant to Be, Pahlish Le Bijou du Roi, Milani Power Periwinkle and Zoya Dream until I was happy with the look.

I water spotted with China Glaze Can I Get an Untz Untz?

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.