Encouragement please

[BlueJay]

33 m - in the process of being diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome.

I've done more than enough research into the worst-case scenarios and it's got me very stressed out.

I'd like to hear from a few people that it's also possible for this to be OK. I realize that my eyes aren't going to magically get better. But I'd like to know that it's not necessarily going to turn into something horrible. I want to know that there is a chance that with eye drops, potentially some other things (restasis, plugging the tear ducts, etc.) that I will be able to work for the rest of my career, keep up my hobbies, and live a more-or-less normal life.

Obviously no one can no for sure what will happen but I'd like to hear some good-news stories to help me balance things in my head.

[Betsy]

Hi BlueJay this is my diagnosis also. I have been dealing with this for over a decade and I can tell you that it became manageable.Overnight I am having major problems now, but it is my hope to get back to a manageable state. You could very well stay the same and not worsen, not all people worsen. You could go into remission. It sounds like you are worried more about the future than your current state? Are your symptoms manageable? On the boards you are most likely to see worst case scenarios because when people get better, they tend to not be on here as much. It's important to stay positive and not think of the worst case scenarios because you are not there. Thinking about it can only stress you out which is no good for your immune system. It sounds like there are still things for you to try from the way I read your post. You need to believe you will be OK and focus on positive things and overall healthy balanced lifestyle and mental well being. Unless you are in major constant pain and can't help it, don't focus on your condition but focus on everything else that brings you happiness. It sounds like now it is fear mostly right? Don't let yourself go there.