Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.
I'm 28 now and was diagnosed with Sjogren's in 2010. It wasn't that bad for the first few years but since last year I'm constantly in pain. I don't know what the further will bring, will I find the perfect combination of meds so I can enjoy live or will it get worse....
I need some advice regarding children. I'm not sure if I want to have kids if I'm only going to be the mom that can't play with her child in the park or the mom that the kids needs to leave alone now coz mommy's tired.....
I understand that the love you must feel for that child has no comparison. But I'm scared my kinds won't like growing up with a mom that's in pain and tired all the time or worse, that I might regret having them if I can't handle it..... Please help.
I need some advice regarding children. I'm not sure if I want to have kids if I'm only going to be the mom that can't play with her child in the park or the mom that the kids needs to leave alone now coz mommy's tired.....
I understand that the love you must feel for that child has no comparison. But I'm scared my kinds won't like growing up with a mom that's in pain and tired all the time or worse, that I might regret having them if I can't handle it..... Please help.
I chose not to have children (I am 46 years old). It was an easy decision for me, because I can barely take care of myself.
I tried to imagine what my life would be like if I had had a child to take care of. More importantly, what kind of life would my child have had when her mommy spends all her time in bed resting/sleeping?
Children are supposed to come first, and I think not bringing a child into my bleak world was being responsible.
That was the best decision for me! You will have to search your soul for the right answer for you.
God bless!
I had children prior to my dx, so it wasn't an agonizing decision for me. There were times when it was extremely difficult for me and for them because of disease flares. However, if you have a good support system and a good doctor - it can be done. You simply have to accept that there will be periods of time that you can't be the "perfect mom" and that there is no such thing as a "perfect mom".
Since being diagnosed a month ago I have been stuck in a bout of depression due to worrying about hurting my future kids, what if they have heart problems and need pacemakers, its not an unfortunate situation it will be MY fault....it will be because of my disease.
I have resigned myself to the reality of... I probably won't have kids, but can you imagine how hard it is for a 10yr old dream to be crushed within 10minutes and some blood results....
Its so hard to talk to anyone about anything because every example I want to use is about kids.... everything comes back to kids...
Everyone is different, If you have a supportive partner I am sure it woould be fine :D
I will probably spend the rest of my life regretting my decision but I dont think I could watch my children be damaged by my disease... this is my burden.... someone has to stop the cycle.
If anything, my disease experience helps me to inform my children to take good care of themselves, avoid crushing stress, and eat well. So far...so good.