Once you have a diagnosis, a new question comes up: how do you live with Sjögren's every day? In this episode of The Sjö (pronounced "show"), host Shilpa Venkatachalam of the Global Healthy Living Foundation talks with Dr. Dana DiRenzo, Chief of Rheumatology at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and a member of the Penn Sjögren's Center, and patient advocate Melissa Taylor, known as Autoimmune Auntie.

In Episode 2 of The Sjö, Melissa Taylor and rheumatologist Dr. Dana DiRenzo talk about daily life with Sjögren's, from dryness and brain fog to mental health, and how to partner with your doctor to get your life back.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How dryness can affect your whole body, and which specialists can help• Why it's important to discuss tough topics like teeth, body image, and intimacy.• How to describe fatigue and pain more specifically, such as mental vs. physical fatigue• When to seek mental health support, including therapy and support groups• How to work with your doctor as a partner, starting with 2–3 goals for your next visit

If Sjögren's has made you feel like you've lost control of your life, this conversation offers practical tips and a reminder that invisible symptoms are still very real.

Get ready for your next appointment with our free guide, "Tips for Talking with Your Doctor about Sjögren's"

Track your symptoms between appointments with PatientSpot

Find more Sjögren's resources at https://CreakyJoints.org/Sjogrens

The Sjö song was created with the assistance of Suno AI.

This podcast was made possible with support from Novartis. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

A podcast series produced by Amelia Violet Prouse.

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