Wellness resort aids Filipino influencer in managing Sjogren's syndrome struggle
Heythere! Let's dive into the extraordinary journey of Pinky Tobiano, a renowned Filipino influencer who's no stranger to fighting the odds.
At the ripe age of 40, Pinky was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She bravely battled the disease, emerging victorious, but the long-term radiation therapy used to treat the cancer left her developing Sjogren's syndrome. This little-known chronic autoimmune condition targets the moisture-producing glands, causing issues primarily in the eyes and mouth.
Fun fact: Venus Williams, the world-class tennis star, battles Sjogren's as well!
Living with Sjogren's is a challenge, Pinky admits. As a chemist turned entrepreneur with over 4.3 million followers on her Instagram account, @pinkytobiano, she shares her struggles, stating, "I have no saliva or tears, so eating is painful and exhausting." Over time, her symptoms have worsened.
So, what's this Sjogren's all about? Basically, it can cause dry eyes (itching, burning, gritty sensations), dry mouth (making speaking and swallowing difficult), dry skin, and even difficulty with intimacy due to dryness. Fatigue and chronic pain are common, as are nerve issues and potential organ involvement, which can lead to complications like lymphoma in rare cases.
But there's no need to despair! Since there's no cure for Sjogren's, treatments focus on alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. Medications can reduce inflammation in the eyes and stimulate saliva production, while eye drops can hydrate your peepers. In severe cases, corticosteroids or immunocompressants might be necessary. Lifestyle changes like keeping hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, avoiding alcohol and smoking, using humidifiers, and maintaining good oral hygiene are also crucial.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing Sjogren's effectively. So, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Stay strong, and remember, you're not alone in this fight!
- Pinky Tobiano, despite defeating thyroid cancer, developed Sjogren's syndrome as a result of long-term radiation therapy.
- Sjogren's syndrome is a little-known chronic autoimmune disorder that targets moisture-producing glands, causing symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, dry skin, and difficulty with intimacy.
- Venus Williams, the tennis star, is also known to battle Sjogren's syndrome.
- Science has not found a cure for Sjogren's, but treatments focus on alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life through medications, lifestyle changes, and regular medical check-ups for chronic diseases like Sjogren's.
- In the realm of health and wellness, early diagnosis and treatment of Sjogren's symptoms are crucial for effective management, and it's essential to prioritize mental health during the journey of living with an autoimmune disorder like Sjogren's.
