Living with Sjögren’s: Managing Dry Mouth and Daily Life

Cristy shares her journey living with Sjögren’s disease and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), offering a real look at the challenges of diagnosis and everyday life with a chronic condition.

Her symptoms began with severe pain and stiffness, eventually leading to a diagnosis after extensive testing. Today, she manages ongoing fatigue, joint pain, and dryness—common symptoms of Sjögren’s that can make even simple daily routines more difficult.

Cristy emphasizes that Sjögren’s is more than just dry mouth or dry eyes—it’s a serious systemic condition that affects the whole body. Because many symptoms are invisible, greater awareness and understanding are critical.

To manage her condition, she focuses on consistent, supportive habits: staying hydrated, using products that help relieve dry mouth and dry eyes, following an anti-inflammatory diet, and incorporating gentle movement. She also shared using tools like eye drops, hydration, and sugar-free options like Zollipops as part of her dry mouth routine.

Small daily rituals—like caring for dry mouth after meals, throughout the day, or during on-the-go moments—can make a meaningful difference in comfort and quality of life.

Her advice for those newly diagnosed: be patient, listen to your body, and take time to find what works for you. With the right care, habits, and support system, it’s possible to live a meaningful and balanced life.

Read Cristy’s full story and explore more resources → Sjögren's Awareness Day 28 - Cristy | Sjögren’s Foundation