Sjogren's E-Pals
E-Pal Want Ads 2005
• 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2003 • 2002 • 2001 •
(browse all of them in one plain text file)
Don't forget to read the older ads, the more "experienced" E-Pals from previous years.
An E-pal is an Internet Pen Pal. Living with Sjögren's Syndrome can be very difficult, very lonely. Only those who have Sjögren's can truly understand how we feel. It’s important to have someone to "talk" to when no one else understands. An Sjogren's World E-Pal can be that special friend for you.
* To get a Sjögren's E-Pal you must first place your own E-Pal ad. For more information and to submit your own E-Pal Want Ad, click here. Requests are limited to 5 at a time.
"Special Requests" E-Pals Also:
Parent's of Children with Sjögren's looking for E-Pals, Caregivers of those who have Sjögren's and Teenagers with Sjögren's are listed as special requests. Please look for "Special Requests" for these categories.
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E-Pal number 2005-121
Name: Elaine
Gender: female
Age: 46
Lives in: Scotland
Years with Sjogren's: 20
About Me: I am married with 2 teenagers. Work as a secretary in a school. I enjoy walking, theatre, reading and traveling. Would like to get in touch with someone who appreciates what it's like to live with this condition.
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E-Pal number 2005-114
Name: Sarah
Gender: female
Age: 40
Lives in: UK
Years with Sjogren's: 2
About Me: Hello. I would love to chat with someone who knows exactly how I feel, constantly tired, no energy and achy. I am single and have two teenagers, sometimes life can be very hard and other times I feel great, difficult to plan anything as I have to play it by ear most of the time.
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E-Pal number 2005-111
Name: Elaine
Gender: female
Age: 45
Lives in: not divulged
Years with Sjogren's: 1 year
About Me: I work in a lunch room at a high school. I also work at the concession stand in winter during hockey games and during summer during baseball games. Have been married for 28 years. We have 2 cats. Which we got in Feb. after losing our other one. I love to read, do crafts, sew, stamp on cards. pen pals, cook, go out to eat. meet new people. I have been diagnosed with other arthritis as well and would just like to be able to talk to someone who has the same symptoms as me. Elaine/weebill
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E-Pal number 2005-108
Name: Christa
Gender: female
Age: 24
Lives in: Pennsylvania, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 4
About Me: Well, I'm 24 years old, and was dx'd with Sjogren's at age 20. I'm pretty active at this point...I give tours at Fallingwater and that keeps me busy. I also love music and enjoy going to live shows. I would like an E-pal who's kinda close to my age, because I don't know anyone else who has Sjogren's and would like someone that I can relate to. Hope to hear from ya. :-)
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E-Pal number 2005-095
Name: Terri
Gender: female
Age: 53
Lives in: Illinois, USA
Years with Sjogren's: most of my life
About Me: Dx without positive results, could be lupus too. I used to be so active, artist, woodworker, seamstress, antique collector, re-finished furniture, made people out of pvc piping and sculpted faces, hands and feet. Late hubby owned a flooring business that I ran from the inside. Since sjs took over me completely 8 months ago brain fog sent in and I can't enjoy my hobbies any more. Pretty must confined to my house now except for visits to docs. Agoraphobic too, besides all my health problems from sjs or lupus. I really don't understand at lot of the medical terms but I'm trying everyday to learn something new. Once my disability papers are put through I will seek every doctor for all my illnesses. Would love to talk to someone like me fairly new to this sjs world. Share and learn together seems would be easier for me. lol-hope someone wants me. Love and prayers, Ter
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E-Pal number 2005-091
Name: Janice
Gender: female
Age: 45
Lives in: South Wales, UK
Years with Sjogren's: 26
About Me: I started to have infections in my eyes 26
yrs ago, was referred to a specialist who ran tests and
diagnosed SS.
Over the years I have suffered from dry eyes and mouth,
respirative and digestive problems, dry skin and extreme
fatigue, and now, recent blood tests detect problems with my
liver. Sometimes I wonder if the doctors are connecting these
symptoms with SS, my dentist seems to know more about it than
they do!
I have been married for 27 yrs, with 3 children and 4
grandchildren, I work, and have a fairly busy life until the
fatigue gets to me, that is! Would like to chat to similar
sufferers.
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E-Pal number 2005-090
Name: Sandra
Gender: female
Age: 42
Lives in: Texas, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 12
About Me: After being misdiagnosed numerous times, it was finally determined I had Sjogrens. The initial symptoms were dry cough and swollen parotid glands. This has changed over the years to include fatigue, muscle aches, dry mouth, dry eyes. I recently had tubes placed in upper/lower tear ducts, can feel little difference in level of moisture. I'm battling dental care now. I have severe pitting in the enamel and numerous ridges are forming at the gum line. I've had over 6 fillings this year to preserve my teeth. Dentist mentioned I may eventually need crowns on all my teeth. It was difficult to find a dentist who even knew how to treat Sjogren's or even what affect it had on dental wellness.
I do work fulltime. Had to stop yoga because of neck surgery, but found it to be the most helpful form of exercise. I enjoy boating and fishing with my family.
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E-Pal number 2005-088
Name: Rose
Gender: female
Age: 50
Lives in: New Zealand
Years with Sjogren's: 4
About Me: Hi. I was diagnosed with s/s when I developed dry eye syndrome My eyes are extremely dry using drops every 1/2 hour. Plugs etc do not seem to help. I also have rh/a but feel the dry eyes are my main concern for the moment as the rh/a seems to be under control taking cartier. I am happily married to Tony a very supportive husband and have four grown up children who are all studying at university. I lead a normal life, very busy at times, love travelling, music, reading and walking. It would be great to talk to someone who shares the same problems i.e. severe dry eyes as so many people have never heard of s/s.
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E-Pal number 2005-085
Name: Sandy
Gender: female
Age: 58
Lives in: California, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 1 month
About Me: I'm a real estate agent in the Napa Valley area, with 2 grown sons, 2 Boston Terriers, and a very supportive husband. Although, I've just been dxed, I've actually had Sjogren's for about 18 years. I thought I was going to die this past winter when Sjogrens affected my respiratory system along with a frozen shoulder. Then it affected my digestive system and I lost down to 93 pounds. I am now feeling very well. I have my good days and my rough days like everybody else. I am very interested in E-mailing with anyone that has the experience to help guide me along this journey. Although it can be rough, it has made me aware to take time to enjoy the special moments in life.
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E-Pal number 2005-083
Name: Sandra
Gender: female
Age: 39
Lives in: Texas, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 2
About Me: Hi, I've been dealing with Sjogrens Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis now for 2 years. I've had a great deal of stress and fatigue over this illness. I'm trying to understand what is happening with my body. I love to read, work on my lawn, and enjoy family outings when I'm not feeling so tired. I really would like to converse or email with anyone that can possibly share what they have experienced with Sjogrens and maybe shed some light as to how they have dealt with the illness. Sometimes I'm at my wits end.
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E-Pal number 2005-082
Name: Sherilynn
Gender: female
Age: 35
Lives in: Sydney, Australia
Years with Sjogren's: 15
About Me: I have Sjogren's, Lupus, Reynauds and Rheumatoid arthritis, BUT I actually have a great life. A great husband and 14yr old twin boys. I'd love to be able to talk about the things you can't tell others with these diseases and to share in someone's life too.
I LOVE the movies, reading, cooking and travel. Talking and sharing is a passion too. I would like to make a real friend here, someone who wants to 'go the distance' with me. Thanks :>)
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E-Pal number 2005-079
Name: Kev
Gender: male
Age: 28
Lives in: Yorkshire, England
Years with Sjogren's: 3
About Me: I am 28 and living in Yorkshire, England. Diagnosed just over 3 years. I enjoy
motorsports and riding my bike and playing with my gecko... Would like to hear
from other male sufferers as we seem to be quite a rare breed! Just need to
know I'm not the only one...
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E-Pal number 2005-078
Name: Brenda
Gender: female
Age: 47
Lives in: Minnesota, USA
Years with Sjogren's: Diagnosed 3 months ago, symptoms started about 8 years ago.
About Me: I am a mother of two. A daughter 19 and a son 16. Have been married for 23
years. I feel relieved to know there is a name for why we feel the way we do,
but others still think there is a cure or miracle pill to to make it better. I
think, just so it doesn't get any worse. I focus on my job and family but it's
always in the back of my mind and it's sometimes hard to watch everybody around
you moving forward when you feel like you are standing still or taking two steps
back. I work in a physically demanding job and some days wonder how long I can
keep doing it. More sick days than ever. Kind hearted boss though. I've always
relied on myself, so leaning on people is hard for me. Enough of that, like
everyone else knows it is easier to talk about sjs with someone who can relate.
Just need to relate.
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E-Pal number 2005-075
Name: Lacey
Gender: female
Age: 40
Lives in: Georgia, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 9 months
About Me: Hi, I found out I had Sjogrens about a 9 months ago. I Had many symptoms for years. I had RAI post Graves Disease when I was 26. I'm looking for someone around my age to talk to about Sjogrens and how it affects our lives. I want to remain positive for the future but realize there will be problems along the way. I'm married, love to walk everyday, read a lot, work full time and spend time with my little dog! I have a few best friends to talk to but they have no clue as to what's going on with me on certain days. Would like to have the chance to talk to someone else with Sjogrens. Besides the dye eyes and mouth-I have a very hard time sleeping. Thank you
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E-Pal number 2005-071
Name: Sally
Gender: female
Age: 56
Lives in: Canada
Years with Sjogren's: 5
About Me: I have been living with Sjogren's for 5 year's now and finally got diagnosed. It has been a long haul trying to find out what was wrong with me. I am looking for an e-pal that we can exchange idea's and just be a support for one another.
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E-Pal number 2005-070
Name: Karen
Gender: female
Age: 43
Lives in: England, Manchester, UK
Years with Sjogren's: 3 months diagnosed
About Me: Hi I'm Karen, 43 years old teaching assistant in a primary school. I have a daughter 18 and a son 15, have been married for 20 years. I have recently been diagnosed with Sjogrens after many years of feeling like a hypochondriac. Although my family is supportive they do not understand how I am feeling - they presume I will be cured now I'm having treatment. I would like to talk to somebody of around about the same age and recently diagnosed.
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E-Pal number 2005-065
Name: Krista
Gender: female
Age: 28
Lives in: Georgia, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 5
About Me: I am a nurse practitioner. I was diagnosed with SS about 5 years ago. It seems sometimes to be an uphill battle. Most of the time I feel fine, just fatigued. Would love to hear from others and share tips for coping.
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E-Pal number 2005-056
Name: Diana
Gender: female
Age: 44
Lives in: Illinois, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 15
About Me: I have had Sjogrens for 15 years now. Would like like to find some one to talk to. I have no children, but allot of nieces and nephews. Family still lives close but, after a while, they just don't want to listen to me. Husband thinks now that I am feeling OK, (As OK as we can be), I no longer need my doctors or medications.
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E-Pal number 2005-055
Name: Kathryn
Gender: female
Age: 40
Lives in: England
Years with Sjogren's: just diagnosed
About Me: I am married with two teenage sons. I work for the ambulance service. I love to go to the cinema with my friends and go for a drink in my local pub! I would love to be contact with someone who understands what I am going through. To be able to support each other, and share experiences.
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E-Pal number 2005-054
Name: Beverley
Gender: female
Age: 52
Lives in: Cornwall, UK
Years with Sjogren's: not sure. Dx last month
About Me: Happily married, two adult boys, teacher (primary) and tutor for teacher training, love gardens, books and writing. Love travelling and horse riding, dogs, cats and the world in general. Usually jolly but pretty fed up right now (bad back!) Overworked and usually exhausted.
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E-Pal number 2005-051
Name: Lee
Gender: female
Age: 53
Lives in: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Years with Sjogren's: one month
About Me: I have had a long journey until finally diagnosed one month ago. Am plagued with overwhelming fatigue, joint pain, GI disturbances, and loss of concentration and memory. Had to leave my job as a researcher. Additionally, have been diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, thyroid cancer and also Hashimoto's. I am 53 years old and would love to correspond with others about coping and adjusting to new lifestyles.
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E-Pal number 2005-049
Name: Barrie
Gender: female
Age: 44
Lives in: Florida, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 1
About Me: I was dx with Sjogren's last year, but was told by my physician that I probably had it for a lot longer. Besides Sjogren's, I also deal with IBS, anticardiolipin syndrome, and asthma. My true passions are reading, writing, watching old movies and animals. Looking forward to hearing from you!!
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E-Pal number 2005-047
Name: Carol
Gender: female
Age: 62
Lives in: Texas, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 2+
About Me: I am an RN living in Texas who was finally diagnosed with Sjogrens in 2004 after seeing numerous specialists. I also have hypothyroid as a result and have undiagnosed muscle and joint involvement. I also had breast cancer in 2003. I am working, but don't know how much longer. Would love to talk with Texans and others about coping.
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E-Pal number 2005-046
Name: Tamme
Gender: female
Age: 46
Lives in: Pennsylvania, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 5+
About Me: I am a mother of 3 (ages 26 son, 26 stepson, and a 20 yo daughter, and also 2 grandchildren ages 9 & 2. This disease is a terrible thing to handle. The pain everywhere, blurred vision, dry eyes, dry mouth, trouble standing and sitting, I have a very sweet and loving husband that helps me allot. He feels helpless sometimes because he can't do much to really help me. I feel bad for him. Anyone who would like to write back in forth to give each other support I would appreciate it. Sometimes with this Sjogren's it gets depressing and you need to talk to or with someone that can understand what you are going through.
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E-Pal number 2005-045
Name: Kate
Gender: female
Age: 36
Lives in: Georgia, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 3
About Me: Blood tests negative, have constant muscle pain, kidney problems, burning in mouth, sometimes feel like body is on fire too. Terrible taste in mouth like metallic. Had to quit work becoz I can't walk more than 100 feet w/o exhaustion. Try to exercise - started walking 5 minutes on treadmill - hard to keep up - depression kicks in - I would like someone who knows what this is like to talk with - Nyquil is the only thing that helps the pain but the alcohol hurts my stomach. Believe it or not I try to stay positive esp for my family.
E-Pal number 2005-043
Name: Brigitte
Gender: female
Age: 56
Lives in: Germany
Years with Sjogren's: 1
About Me: I am 56, 4 grown-up children, studied physics, doing counseling about EMF pollution in homes, my interests are spirituality, especially subtle energy, nature medicine and biophysics. I was diagnosed early with Sjogren's by accident and I would like to share my attempts to stop this process with other Sjogren's people.
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E-Pal number 2005-041
Name: Audrey
Gender: female
Age: 77
Lives in: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 17
About Me: I am a 77 year old female, very lonely and have many health problems other than Sjogren's Syndrome. Enjoy using my vtech companion for email. It is not like a computer so I cannot see pictures or funny jokes, just receive words and am able to send words. It does provide me with some company. Would love to hear from others with this Syndrome.
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E-Pal number 2005-040
Name: Elizabeth
Gender: female
Age: 34
Lives in: Oklahoma, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 4
About Me: Dx 4 years ago, after extensive workups for MS, Fibromyalgia, Neuropsychiatric Testing (Psych told me all my symptoms and feelings were basically in my head). I have Raynauds, Seizures, Dryness. Lost a kidney last year to chronic pyelonephritis (unrelated to SS), cannot take meds due to kidney status was causing problems with other kidney. Just worn out with the fatigue and the pain. Wanting someone to visit with that has been around the block with this and told it was all in their head before finally a diagnosis.
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E-Pal number 2005-037
Name: MJ
Gender: female
Age: 47
Lives in: USA
Years with Sjogren's: 3
About Me: Almost 48 yrs yikes! Bounced from Dr. to Dr. from Dr......MS no Lupus no wait , not sure. Maybe just crazy! I am now just getting a support staff of Drs. that understand me and the disease or at least that I am not crazy. SJS with CNS involvement. Supportive family. Hobbies all kind crafts, sewing, reading (if I can). Want to chat with someone else who is "crazy" and finds humor in life. MJ
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E-Pal number 2005-036
Name: Mary
Gender: female
Age: 41
Lives in: Iowa, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 36
About Me: I am a CMA, married, 2 sons 11 & 15. I have has ss all my life. Dx at age 23, it started in parotid glands, they were removed at age 24. Now I have pancreatitis. I get severe HA, neck pain spasm, back pain, joint pain. I feel that I am alone I don't have anyone to talk to that understands. Can I find a friend to share my pains and thoughts with?
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E-Pal number 2005-025
Name: Barbara
Gender: female
Age: 51
Lives in: Tennessee, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 5-7
About Me: I was diagnosed with Sjogren's in 2000 via a lip biopsy and also have connective tissue disorder. I am looking for a lady, approximately my age (51) who has this disease to share our own personal survival strategies in dealing with the many manifestations of the disease. Right now, I am wrestling with my skin which is always dry no matter how much lotion or oil I use on it. I also have rosacea on my face and the elasticity of my facial skin is seemingly not there anymore.
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E-Pal number 2005-020
Name: Connie
Gender: female
Age: 52
Lives in: Nebraska, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 4 months
About Me: I would like someone my age. I haven't had Sjogren's long. And would like someone who can help me understand what I is happening to me. I like all kinds of Crafts. Quilting, Sewing, Hooking Rugs, Crocheting, and board games.
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E-Pal number 2005-019
Name: Kathy
Gender: female
Age: 35
Lives in:
Years with Sjogren's: symptoms for 12 years but, not yet dx.
About Me: I am a mother of 3 ..I have been married for nearly 13 years...just wanting a friend...just someone to talk to about symptoms they are having...and just day to day stuff.
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E-Pal number 2005-017
Name: Patricia
Gender: female
Age: 54
Lives in: Prestatyn, N Wales
Years with Sjogren's: 3
About Me: Actually had many diagnoses before Primary Sjogrens, from fibromyalgia to possible MS - in fact MS is STILL being investigated! Being treated at St Thomas, Lupus Clinic in London. Professor Hughes and his team are wonderful. Sjogren's has effected my nervous system quite badly - find difficulty in walking. Being treated with prednisolone, baclofen among other things. I know it can be a very lonely existence because most people haven't heard of Sjogren's or how it effects people (that's just dry eyes and mouth isn't it?) and I would be pleased to hear from anyone who just needs a chat. Hobbies are embroidery and quilting - hands permitting. Still have good sense of humour!!!
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E-Pal number 2005-016
Name: Cheryl
Gender: female
Age: 58
Lives in: Canada
Years with Sjogren's: 3
About Me: Hi. I just moved back to Canada from the states a year
ago. I have had problems with dry eyes, mouth, fatigue, lung and
g.i. problems. I take plaquenil for the fatigue which has helped
a great deal. enjoy all types of crafts, reading, music and
computer. live with my husband and cat. I would love to hear
from other sjs members. Cheryl
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E-Pal number 2005-008
Name: Redetha
Gender: female
Age: 55
Lives in: Alabama, USA
Years with Sjogren's: less than 1
About Me: I was dx with ssj October 2004 - I am married (32 years
to a supportive husband) with 1 son (married) and two four
legged grandkids-one dog and one cat. I hate the pain, dry
mouth, burning tongue, and swollen face. I try and not be a
whiner - so hard. Seeking pal to share info. Recently started new
med which has helped neuropathy. - Cymbalta. I teach Special
Education -- tiredness and vision a problem at job.
Update Nov...I have found that the Rx Foltex has helped me with the fatigue.
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E-Pal number 2005-004
Name: Betty
Gender: female
Age: 37
Lives in: New York, USA
Years with Sjogren's: 7 months
About Me: Hi, I am a mother of four young children. I have been
taking hydroxychloroquine for 5 months, and I actually feel
worse than better. For me the worst part is the extreme fatigue
, hair falling out and the aches and pains. So far I can deal
with the dryness although it is annoying. I would like to find
some people to talk with to see what is working for them and to
just vent with someone who knows what it's like to live with
this syndrome. Thanks. Sjogren's bites!
