Essay On Autoimmune Disorder

Submitted By cristinagiacalonee
Words: 621
Pages: 3

“A chronic autoimmune condition characterized by degeneration of the salivary and lachrymal glands, causing dryness of the mouth and eyes. Sjögrens may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Patients may also experience extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.”
This is how google defines Sjogren’s Syndrome. There are many people in this world that are diagnosed with Sjogren’s, and 80% of them are women, I am a part of that 80%. This syndrome now defines me.
On July 18, 2011 at the age of fifteen, I was diagnosed with this chronic autoimmune disorder. I remember the feelings I had so vividly. As I sat in the doctors office and felt as if I was going to faint, I looked down to see my Mom holding my hand. It made me feel secure knowing I had someone with me to support me, but also made me realize that my sickness wasn’t only going to affect me and my life, but also my family and friends’ lives.
Suddenly, the first thing that came to my mind when I found out my diagnosis was my ability to play sports. I wondered how I was supposed to explain what Sjogrens’ was to my coaches if I wasn’t even sure myself. That day I promised myself I would never use this syndrome as an excuse. I knew from then on it would be the hardest thing in my life, and I could either give up or fight.
The suspension was high in the doctors office that day. I knew my life was about to change into something new. I was never one to want to accept change. To me it is losing something that you are comfortable with to gain something foreign. Foreign being you don’t know what you’re about to gain. That’s what life is. Not knowing what is going to come next. To others, change is positive. Change is to gain something better, but how do we know that? I know things happens everyday, but I couldn’t accept what was happening to me on that day. What scared me most was not knowing what was going to happen next. What would be my next step? Do I keep