Hi,
I work as a casual nurse in a small hospital. I used to spend most of my time on a gerontology ward but found it too tiring and I would end up too sore. Management has been very supportive and understanding and I have had the opportunity to do holiday relief in areas like pre-admission clinic and outpatients. I have found workng a shorter shift if possible helps too.
Have you tried pilates? I do a class which is run by a physio. I also do tai chi. I have only recently been diagnosed so I am still reeling a bit from the diagnosis. On the other hand I feel relieved in a way that all the fatigue and sore joints wasn't either just in my head or because I was unfit.
Can you tell me what your symptoms are? You mentioned problems with your hands. I have recently started having problems using tongs or holding things like a hand of cards as my hands get very tired.

I am an RN. I found out about 6 months ago that I have SS. Looking back now it's likely been at least 1 1/2 years since I have noticed some symptons. I am really finding now that I have serious brain fog, can't put my thoughts in to words. I don't feel very effective at work. It worries me how much longer I may be able to work. I'm only part time now.

I am an RN. I have not worked in 4 years. I had to stop. I didn't know I had Sjogren's when I quit working. My fatigue, muscle pain and weakness as well as brain fog had increased to the point that I was afraid to be responsible for pts and I never have been able to return. I was working in the mountains in Co. as an occupational nurse for a methane gas drilling company. Due to a improved heath status I am going to volunteer at a pregnancy center one day a week for 6 hours. I will just be doing simple things like pregnancy tests and a small amt of counseling. I hope I can hack it! I have spent lots of time in bed over these 4 years and I so want to stay feeling better!

I am a student nurse. My teacher pulled me aside a few days ago and told me how this disease as well as lupus can be progressive and to really take care of myself. She warned me that nursing will not be easy and can be taxing under these circumstances. I was very sick but still performed well in in clinical and she praised me for that.

I don't wanna give up my dream of nursing. It's been a long road and I am almost done. I work in a hospital as a tech and this field is the only career path I have grown to know and love.

I hope I can get through this.

I'm in school for nursing right now and my aspirations are to become an ER nurse, although I have a feeling that this lame disease is going to be a huge pitfall for me.

It really sucks- I've always been a very strong person and I've always followed through on my wildest dreams. I'm usually even more motivated by the people who tell me I *can't* do something.

But now that this has shown up, it's very difficult. My primary concerns are that I am constantly thirsty, and because of that, I am constantly going to the bathroom. This did ease up for almost a year, but has returned in the last month. Before now, I attributed it to Bupropion, since my tinnitus and extreme thirst started soon after I began taking it.

My other concern is that I am losing strength and mobility in my ring fingers on both hands. If my ring finger is bent too far, it is the most excruciating pain I have ever felt- honestly. Sometimes this happens while I'm doing something as simple as reaching to pull a chair out from a table but I don't clear the top of the chair with my hand and my fingers bend inward. Funny how something so small can cause so much discomfort.

Anyway. My dream was to become a flight nurse, but I've since thrown that out the window. There's just no way to do it since I have to drink so much water all the time (between 2-3 gallons on bad days).

Ugh. It is helpful to see others in the same position...kind of. I feel for anyone with this mega-lame disease.

I am a RN and have been for 11 years. I work PRN in a Level 1 Trauma hospital and I am a director at a not for profit Mon-Fri. I have had SS for 4 years. I find if I dwell on my pain or my fatigue it gets worse. I have had long term issues with AI related issues, and most likely am transitioning into Lupus. I have moved off the floor and started my life as an office nurse just in case. Do not have such a narrow view on nursing. In fact, it is one of the only careers that have such varying options. You can always leave the bedside and work from home, insurance auditing, computer work, office work and still pay your bills. You can work bedside as I do on a limited and PRN basis/ It is possible, and I would actually encourage anyone who struggles with a chronic illness think of nursing. Sympathy and Empathy will be your strong suit. Do not dismay, be grateful for your ability to help and serve, in any capacity. It will make you a better nurse and keep your eyes focused on bigger things than just your pain.

I am also a nurse--so that makes eight of us! I have only known about my sjogrens for a couple of years. The more symptoms you all mention, the more things click with me. It's just amazing the way the puzzle pieces fit together.

Due to the fact that I have bipolar disorder I have not worked for 11 years. I miss it dearly.. I worked med-surg, psych and public health.

I am a nurse too. I have not been able to work for 5 years. I do 4 hours a week for a pregnancy resource center as a volunteer.

I'm not a nurse, but I work as a Nuclear Medicine Tech. I work part time at an outpt medical center, and PRN at a hospital. I've had Sjogrens for 16+ yrs (I'll be 34 this year), but I am still able to work and stay pretty active. I know that I need to start taking better care of myself, though, to try and stay that way. I used to exercise daily, but I was pregnant last year, and was not able to walk much due to ligament pain, so I got out of the habit. Now I have a 4 1/2 month old, so it's not always easy to get it in, but I'm trying. I know that when I'm eating clean and getting plenty of exercise, I absolutely feel better.