I was wondering if any of us are using April to teach others about SS.
I went to a Home and Garden Show yesterday and was surprised how many times an opening came up for me to bring the subject up. An artist from a local gallery mentioned giving her art to charities, several booths had Items I believed were possibly beneficiàl to us,. Every chance I got, I mentioned April was Sjogren's Awareness Month and was able to give them information about our illness.
I told the artist about Ben's Friends and how they needed help to expand their communities to help us ànd many others with chronic illness.
I am a reasonably shy womàn, so it was amazing to be given the chance to share the information I know.
Exactly, terriba. We need to teach people however we can about SS. We also need to show family and friends we are not exaggerating or making our symptoms up.
I did very little house cleaning yesterday and today I have a pain going down my leg. If I stand it isn’t as bad but then my back hurts. Laying down helps. I am new to this disease…is this a flare up? Am I just supposed to live with pain? Would pain medication help?
It very well could be, terriba. It is especially difficult in the beginning because you fee so many symptoms and they aren't always what the majority feel. It is different for every individual. That is one of the reasons it is so hard to diagnose and why some uneducated drs call us hypochondriacs. I would ask my rheumy about other treatments before pain meds. Many rheumies will tell you to take aleve or another NSAID. They don't want to hide symptoms in the beginning which can be very important. I, personally have chosen not to take steroids or narcotics unless it is a last resort. My body is confused and damaged enough without giving it more harm before necessary. This is a personal choice because I come from a long line of addicts. This is not saying it is a good idea for everyone. Also you don't want them to label you are a frequent flier like they have some people i know with other chronic illnesses. Now they have trouble getting medication because of ignorant drs. I know it is hard but try to give the doctors time and ask them their opinion of whether you need them. (((hugs))) and hope your pain eases soon.
terriba said:
I did very little house cleaning yesterday and today I have a pain going down my leg. If I stand it isn't as bad but then my back hurts. Laying down helps. I am new to this disease..is this a flare up? Am I just supposed to live with pain? Would pain medication help?