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 found this and thought it was an easy to understand definition of how our bodies are affected by all of this. I will be using this to share with friends and family who,"don't get it". Thought it may help some of you as well! :)
Explanation of how Auto Immune Diseases damage the body
The first job of the immune system is to distinguish between "you" and "non-you," and then react to that distinction. Immune cells are on constant alert looking for a foreign marker- the antigen- that marks bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other substances that invade the body. There is a built-in tolerance for your own cells and tissue so that they are passed over in this vigilance. What happens when this balance goes wrong and this immune system mistakes the "you" and "non-you"? The system begins to identify tissue or protein or some other part of "you" as an intruder, a foreigner, and the immune cells attack to rid the body of this menace. The whole arsenal of the immune system comes into play, and the body begins to destroy itself, cell by cell. Muscles, nerves and organs can be affected, with the end result being minor or major
Explanation of how Auto Immune Diseases damage the body
The first job of the immune system is to distinguish between "you" and "non-you," and then react to that distinction. Immune cells are on constant alert looking for a foreign marker- the antigen- that marks bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other substances that invade the body. There is a built-in tolerance for your own cells and tissue so that they are passed over in this vigilance. What happens when this balance goes wrong and this immune system mistakes the "you" and "non-you"? The system begins to identify tissue or protein or some other part of "you" as an intruder, a foreigner, and the immune cells attack to rid the body of this menace. The whole arsenal of the immune system comes into play, and the body begins to destroy itself, cell by cell. Muscles, nerves and organs can be affected, with the end result being minor or major
deleted_user
Thank you, I think this will sum it up for some who don't quite understand. Have a nice day.
nursea49
That description sums it up very well. Thank you.
deleted_user
I thought so too, that is why I wanted to share it with all of you. I plan on using it explain to those who just don't understand and thought others may be running into the same problems with their family and/or friends. I used to be very busy and active, always on the go. It is difficult for me to explain to those ppl why I just can't do it anymore. It is hard for them to understand that sometime I can and other times I just can't. I know it has to look like it is all an act, but those of you suffering with the same issues know IT IS NO ACT. If anyone wishes I could still do all I used to be able to do, it would be ME. :)
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