The Sjogren's Syndrome Survival Guide

by Teri P. Rumpf

Overview

Little is known in the medical community about Sjogren's (pronounced show-grins) syndrome, although it is statistically the most prevalent autoimmune disorder in the US, afflicting some 2 to 4 million people, the majority of whom are women. Sufferers often spend years going from specialist to specialist before being properly diagnosed. This debilitating illness, in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture producing glands, results in dry eyes and dry mouth, and dryness of the skin, nose, and vagina. It can also affect the kidneys, GI tract, blood vessels, lung, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. This is the first and only book to provide a specific program of self-help strategies for sufferers.

Authors Teri Rumpf and Kathy Hammitt are both Sjogren's sufferers. Their book offers you the most current medical information about Sjogren's along with an in-depth explanation of the disorder, including how it is diagnosed. The book will teach your how to advocate for yourself within the health care system and how to team up with your physician to coordinate the necessary medical care. Learn the most effective ways to reduce symptoms, deal with pain, and cope psychologically with Sjogren's challenges.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781572243569
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	04/09/2003
Series:	Unassigned Series
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Teri P. Rumpf, PhD, is a psychologist in private practice specializing in treating patients who suffer from chronic illness. Rumpf knows firsthand the challenges of living with Sjögren’s syndrome. She has published numerous articles on living with chronic illness for both the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation and the Scleroderma Foundation. She lives in Newton Highlands, MA.

Table of Contents

	Foreword	v
	Preface	ix
	Acknowledgments	xiii
1	Sjogren's Syndrome: What Is That?	1
2	What Makes Up a Diagnosis?	19
3	How Do You Treat Sjogren's?	33
4	More about the Medical Aspects	47
5	Doctors and Patients	67
6	Reactions to Illness	89
7	Riding a Roller Coaster of Emotions	101
8	Family and Friends	127
9	Living with Sjogren's Syndrome	151
10	Healing	169
11	Work and Disability	183
12	Research: Hope for the Future	199
	Resources	213
	References	223
	Index	229