Celebrities with Sjogren's Syndrome

Nina Rawls

Here Nina Rawls, who is widow of singer Lou Rawls, reveals her fight with Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Nina Rawls has Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome, meaning it occurs in the presence of another connective tissue autoimmune disease, in her case it is lupus,also known as SLE

“With my finding, I am now an advocate for Sjogren’s syndrome awareness, early diagnosis and treatment.  

I’m learning that although there is no cure for the syndrome, there are treatments that can greatly improve my troubling symptoms and will prevent further complications,” concludes Rawls.  

“I’m hoping a greater awareness of the syndrome will push others to be more pro-active in talking with their doctors and dentists about their symptoms and gain potential treatment options.”

From PR Web where you can read the full story.

Read more about Secondary and Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome

Primary Sjögren's syndrome sufferers prone to develop serious complications

I did not like the results of this study and found it quite depressing.

Patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome are prone to develop serious complications over the long term, despite the presumption that this is a relatively benign autoimmune disease, a 25-year review found.

For instance, fully half developed an additional autoimmune disease such as cutaneous lupus, and one in every 10 was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to Esha Abrol, BSc, of University College London.
 

The study was of only152 patients but they had been studied since 1986. There were other important facts that came out of this study as well:

• one quarter of the patients had nervous system involvement and peripheral neuropathy
• 18.5% of patients had died at an average age of 72, which is 10 years earlier than the average life expectancy of a woman un the UK
• the most common disease was non- Hodgkin's lymphoma

I am not sure what can be done about this except to enjoy life while we have it and have regular check ups by a specialist in Sjogren's Syndrome.

Do you feel that you have a good specialist who understands all this?

Read the full report from Medpage. Maybe we should be printing it out and taking it to our specialists.

 

Researchers link diabetes with Sjogren’s syndrome

Garvan Institute scientists have found a link between type 1 diabetes and Sjogren's Syndrome, suggesting a common underlying cause. “You find these cells in the gut, but there are very few of them in other parts of the body of a healthy person." said Dr Cecile King one of the authors of the research.
I have mentioned this research previously but not in light of the link with diabetes. You can read an indepth article about it at the Garvan Institute.
The initial research only studied 15 patients with Sjogren's syndrome so the Garvan Institute intend to extend the study of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome, to see whether these cells could become a biomarker of disease.

More articles on Sjogren's research:

• salivary glands
• dry mouth lozenge treatment trial
• International
  Sjögren's Syndrome Registry

Venus William's attempts to beat Sjogren's Syndrome

"Williams withdrew from September's U.S. Open with Sjogren's, a chronic disease where white blood cells attack moisture-producing glands and can cause dysfunction of organs and body systems.


The five-time Wimbledon champion, who changed her diet to include more vegetables after suffering fatigue from the disease, said last month that she hoped to return to the tour full-time in 2012 and to top the rankings. — Reuters" Read the full article from December 21st, 2011.

There is a wide variety of views regarding diet and Sjogren's Syndrome. Some people believe that modifying your diet can help Sjogren's Syndrome but there is no specific "Sjogren's diet". Here you will find a random variety of suggestions regarding diet. If you know of any more please let me know.

• As Sjogren's depletes the moisture-producing glands keeping hydrated is extremely important.



• Water is the best beverage to drink.



• Reduce caffeine



• Fruits and vegetables that are high in water content may be useful to hydrate the body. Some of these foods include celery, watermelon, peaches and cucumbers. Many people who have this condition feel that removing wheat and dairy reduce some symptoms.

• Thoughts on gluten free and Sjogren's Syndrome


• Diet & Food Tips from Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation



• Anti inflammatory diet at Sjogren's Syndrome site



• Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips from Dr Andrew Weil



• Dr. West's Protocol for Sjogren's Syndrome

Return of Sjogren's Syndrome

Stephen McPhail will miss this weekend's Championship football match in Cardiff City, Wales due to the Sjogren's Syndrome which he has suffered from in recent months. Read More...
Read about other celebrities with Sjogren's Syndrome.
Here 5 people with Sjogren's Syndrome talk about it at The New York Times Health Guide

Venus William's about Sjogren's

"I'm really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year's U.S. Open," Williams said in a statement. "I have recently been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain...
I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue, but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon." Venus Williams in USA Today. Dated 9/3/2011