A Body Out of Balance: Understanding and Treating Sjogren's Syndrome

This book has been a real help in opening my eyes to the broad implications of Sjogren's Syndrome. When I was first diagnosed with Sjogren's, I was pretty relieved -- relieved that there was an explanation for was all of the previously inexplicable and seemingly unconnected symptoms I'd been suffering -- repeated corneal abrasions, painfully dry eyes, inability to eat anything with so much of a drop of Tabasco, constant thirst despite constantly drinking water, cracked lips. And in the big world of diseases, heck, this one didn't seem so bad. I bought this book, flipped through it, but didn't get much benefit. It was not until I had met with the rheumatologist several times that the diagnosis became troubling -- troubling to realize that medications didn't cure all, troubling to realize that I'd have to deal with this condition for the rest of my life and I really needed to figure out how best to do that. The doctor told me that the condition is really a gift that prompts many folks to seek balance in their lives. At that point, I pulled the book out & read it from cover to cover, trying to learn as much as possible about the disease. There are chapters on dry eyes, dry mouth/nose/throat, extraglandular involvement, pain & fatigue, emotional toll, medications, nutrition, and special conditions, such as disability. Throughout, the focus of the book is to help you achieve a good quality of life. My initial inclination about Sjogren's was to try to dismiss it as "no big deal" and not try to blame every physical malady I experience on Sjogren's. After reading through this book, though, I now realize that Sjogren's can impact nearly every part of your body in one way or another, and failing to recognize that can make it difficult to fix the problems. This book also emphasizes the importance of finding the right health care team and ensuring that you work with them and share information to get the best care. After reading this book, I realized that I had a number of eye- issues that were clearly Sjogren's-related. Although I'd been to opthalmologists for corneal abrasions, it was not until I found an opthalmologist who specializes in autoimmune disorders that the underlying issues were ever addressed. After reading this book and coming to understand Sjogren's better, I have (1) found the right doctors and (2) been much more forthcoming with these folks about my symptoms and condition. I'm much more willing to consider that Sjogren's may be affecting me in ways I don't yet realize. I'm also more willing to share the diagnosis with others, in part to increase awareness about the condition and in part to explain why I try never to be without my water bottle. This is a good, comprehensive guide to all things Sjogren. I found it to be very readable (on my second effort). I think it's particularly useful for helping newly-diagnosed patients understand (and not underestimate) the breadth and possible impact of the disease.

I also now suffer from Sjogren's Syndrome, and this book is more of a day to day, practical application type book.I was able to see some detailed information, including a break down of the different symptoms.

This was a very insightful and practical guide to not only treating this disease, but many others as well. Doctors are not mind readers, nor are they infallible. They need to have patients cooperate with them, and provide them with as much insightful information as possible in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Patients should not rely on the doctor to have all the answers, and frequently, will not, if there is meaningful information left from his or her view. This book reminds us all that we are responsible for our own health, and the doctor is there to help us along that path only if we allow them. It is up to each of us, as patients, to be forthright, and open with our problems, concerns, and illnesses. We must forever be mindful that today's health system does not encourage lengthy visits with physicians; hence, we should come prepared, equiped, and aware of our bodies and how our health is being impacted by whatever our conditions may be. This book gently but firmly reminds us of our responsibilities to take charge of our own bodies and of our interrelationships with our doctors. Bravo on a book well done, indeed.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone who is facing the challenges of a Sjogren's diagnosis. The authors address both the newly diagnosed patient and those who have been coping with this chronic illness for many years. Their advice on choosing a doctor and forming a partnership with her is wonderful and, I believe, critical to the physical and emotional well being of the chronically ill patient. I hope physicians will read the book. The authors' insights into the frustrations of treating patients with incurable but manageable illnesses are lessons for both patients and physicians.If you have been recently diagnosed with Sjogren's or if you are struggling with complicated symptoms which doctors can't diagnose, you must read this book. The medical information is clear and easy to understand but thorough. The authors will help you navigate the complex medical community.For those who have been living with Sjogren's for many years "A Body out of Balance" reinforces the goal of having the best possible quality of life. The authors give the reader tools to help achieve that goal."A Body out of Balance" will touch you. You will be grateful that finally someone understands what you've been going through. You will also be grateful because someone is offering help and hope.

This book is a very good example of how patient and doctor can and must collaborate; in this case on a book about a specific disorder, but in a bigger sense, too: patients and doctors must learn to work together to solve complex, tricky medical conditions caused by autoimmunity, to come up with customized treatment packages which enhance quality of life without threatening it.