BLOG | sjogrensadvocate

Sjogren's and Inflammation - Part I

Sjogren's is a systemic inflammatory disease, even if CRP and ESR are normal. Learn how cytokines may impact fatigue.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Dec 16, 20234 min read

Communicating With Family and Friends About Sjogren’s

This blog post provides tools for talking to friends and family, and for countering misunderstanding and dismissive comments.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Oct 28, 20236 min read

12 Reasons People With Sjogren's Don't Get Diagnosed

Most people with Sjogren's remain undiagnosed due to lack of clinician training and awareness.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Sep 3, 20237 min read

SSA and Sjogren's

A negative SSA doe not rule out Sjogren's. There is no one test for diagnosing Sjogren's.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Aug 20, 20236 min read

Gastrointestinal (GI) Manifestations

Sjogren's often impacts the gastrointestinal tract. Many symptoms are neurologically based but mistaken for IBS.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jun 10, 20236 min read

Liver Disease and Sjogren's

Every Sjogren's patient should have routine screening for liver disease.

Sarah Schafer, MD

May 26, 20233 min read

Celiac Disease, Gluten, and Your Health

Celiac disease is common in Sjogren's patients. Every Sjogren's patient should be screened for celiac disease, regardless of symptoms.

Sarah Schafer, MD

May 18, 20234 min read

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is no longer considered rare in Sjogren's. Early detection and treatment are critical to improving outcomes.

Sarah Schafer, MD

May 11, 20233 min read

Signs, symptoms, and manifestations

Understanding manifestations, signs, and symptoms will help you talk with your doctors about Sjogren’s care that goes beyond sicca.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Feb 8, 20233 min read

Manifestations vs. Comorbidities

Learn about the difference between Sjogren's manifestations and comorbidities, and why they are both important to address.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jan 26, 20232 min read

Lifestyle support

Lifestyle changes help many Sjogren's patients feel better. Learn about credible sources of information here.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jan 6, 20232 min read

My POTS diagnosis: worth the struggle

Learn how self-advocacy helped me get diagnosed and treated for POTS, an autonomic disorder.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Dec 11, 20224 min read

Sjogren's and Heart Health

Sjogren's patients are at increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases. Much can be done to reduce that risk.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Oct 10, 20224 min read

Choosing skincare for health

What you put on your skin is as important as what you eat and breathe, especially with dry skin that comes with Sjogren's.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Oct 6, 20225 min read

Sjogren's, skin health, and cosmetics

What you put on your skin, frequently ends up in your body. Learn about how skincare products can impact your health.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Sep 24, 20224 min read

Sjogren's and the sun

Learn why sun protection is important for Sjogren's patients.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Sep 14, 20224 min read

All in Your Head?

Many people with Sjogren's are told they have functional disorders, when their symptoms are direct, physical Sjogren's manifestations.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Aug 5, 20226 min read

Part 4: Is it POTS? Debunking myths

POTS and other autonomic disorders are not caused by anxiety or deconditioning. Learn how to counter myths about Sjogren's and dysautonomia.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jul 2, 20223 min read

Part 3: Is it POTS? POTS vs. OH

Is it POTS or orthostatic hypotension (OH)? Learn how to tell the difference.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jun 18, 20224 min read

Part 2: Is it POTS? Autonomic mimics

POTS is a common cause of standing intolerance in Sjogren's. It is important to rule out mimics including other autonomic disorders.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jun 12, 20224 min read