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Around one-third of fibromyalgia patients also have Sjögren’s Syndrome, yet most don’t know about it.
Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune condition that affects the moisture-producing cells in your body. Today Tami is excited to share her conversation with Brenda Faverio, a graduate of the first Fibromyalgia Coach training class and one of the first people Tami trained as a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach®. As someone with Sjögren’s and fibromyalgia, Brenda shares the insights she uncovered on her healing journey and the experiences of the many women she’s coached.
In this conversation, Tami and Brenda discuss what happens to the body with Sjögren’s Syndrome, common symptoms and associated risks of Sjögren’s, the overlap between fibromyalgia and Sjögren’s, Brenda’s journey to Sjögren’s diagnosis, her family history of autoimmune disease, how the Schirmer tear test works, the importance of a supportive and knowledgeable medical team, the evil sidekicks that Brenda experienced alongside her Sjögren’s, her experience with testing and treatment from a top Sjögren’s specialist, the massive car accident that dramatically increased her symptoms, Brenda’s fibromyalgia diagnosis, how Brenda found her “why”, transforming from a dutiful patient to a proactive patient, the importance of taking action in addition to education, how Brenda found Tami and the decision to become a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach®, why she believes it takes a village to get through your autoimmune healing journey, how Brenda keeps her Sjögren’s and fibromyalgia well-managed, building the skillset for managing your symptoms, red flags that suggest you should explore a Sjögren’s diagnosis, how fibromyalgia symptoms show up differently from Sjögren’s symptoms, first steps to take if you recognize Sjögren’s red flags, how you can work with Brenda, words of encouragement for you wherever you are in your fibro journey, and more.
Note: This episode is not meant to be medical advice. Every person and every situation is unique. The information you learn in this episode should be shared and discussed with your own healthcare providers.
About Brenda Faverio
Brenda Faverio is a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach®, a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She has coached women with a variety of autoimmune diseases, complicated medical conditions, and fibromyalgia since 2015. Brenda is a graduate of the very first Fibromyalgia Coach training class and one of our very first Certified Fibromyalgia Coaches!
Brenda was an autoimmune patient before she became a fibromyalgia patient, having been diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome in 1999 at age 34. She has extensive personal experience with autoimmune disease as many of the women in her family have faced serious autoimmune challenges as well.
In 2010, following a serious traffic accident, Brenda was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and began her own journey managing the challenges, pain, fatigue, and medical complexities that came along as a result of this dual diagnosis.
Using her personal experience and the knowledge she has gained along the way, Brenda specializes in helping women with autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia to find hope, to better manage their daily challenges, to improve their mindset and outlook relative to these challenges, and to rediscover the joy in their lives.
To schedule a consultation with Brenda, visit FindAFibroCoach.com
Links & Resources
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- Schedule a consultation with Tami or one of her coaches through the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute.
Listener Shoutout
“Hi Tami, I had a free consultation with Penny, which I really enjoyed, for the first time since being diagnosed with Fibro I felt understood… I am very thankful for the time she took to speak with me and the consult! I am also very grateful for your podcasts! I have learned alot and will continue to listen to them as they do help me alot to feel less alone! Thank you so much!”
~ a listener via email