- Sjogren
- Interviews
Derald's interview
How did all start?
Reaction to sun and smoke. Sun caused a horrible rash and smoke caused a asthma flare
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Diagnosed in 2014 and it took 2 years to be diagnosed
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Eyes, lungs, mouth and pain for treatment. Lung doctor has been most useful
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Lung treatment
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Fatigue and pain
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Lost a relationship of 17 years
What things have you stopped doing?
Mostly being outdoors in the sun. Working on my little ranch, going to the lake, volunteering at the hospital, traveling, and getting out and socializing.
What do you think about the future?
Started a new drug that has really helped me get back on a better track, we'll see.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Late twenties. You name it I was up for it. Snow skiing, snowmobile, white water rafting, fishing, hiking, camping, sports, travel abroad, it was fun.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Work
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Unique
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Hang in there, don't give up, keep learning, and keep poking the doctors because you want to live.
