Sjogren’s: The Subtle Scourge
My friends call this “a phase”
When I spend my waking moments in a daze.
My husband thinks its “nervous tension”
As I avoid intimacy for reasons I cannot mention.
My children tease me that I am growing senile
But my joints are swollen and sore, there is no denial.
My neighbor wonders if I’m trying new fads
“Your face swells and shrinks intermittently” she adds.
My optician assures me my spectacles are the best
Then why do my eyes feel blurry, gritty and in need of a rest?
My Google search makes me believe this is definitely Diabetes
It explains this unquenchable thirst, who needs a doctor and his fees?
My GP is puzzled after a battery of blood tests which haven’t cleared the mist
“This is systemic and obscure”, he proclaims and refers me to the specialist.
My rheumatologist beams with supreme confidence
And labels my mysterious malady “SHOW-grins”
Finally, I have some closure and demand a cure for this supposedly highly prevalent ailment
“Artificial tears, exercise and sugar free mint” was the prescription, much to my disappointment.
“Why me” I agonized, in the depths of despair
Is this contagious? Must I take extra care?
My rheumatologist explained how my own body has declared treason
I am not to blame, sometimes there is no reason
There are no limits in my life, there is no need to shun
With medications and support, this battle will be won
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Anu Desai
MBBS, DNB Medicine, Fellowship in Rheumatology
MRCP, SCE Rheumatology
Queen Elizabeth hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham,
B15 2TH