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Day 1 - Kerri Washer Shouldn’t Take this Long- Learning Along the Way
What do you do when you know something is wrong, but doctor after doctor tells you you're "too young," "just stressed," or that "everything is normal"?In this powerful patient story, Kerri Washer shares her raw and honest decade-long journey to finally receiving a seronegative Sjogren's diagnosis. From early, unexplained symptoms like hearing loss to the persistent dismissal from multiple specialists, Kerri details the frustrating but ultimately triumphant process of learning how to advocate for herself and be heard.Listen to Kerri's story to feel seen, validated, and equipped with practical strategies for navigating the healthcare system and building a care team that finally listens.EPISODE IN A GLANCE00:00 Introduction: A Decade-Long Journey to Diagnosis01:53 Early Symptoms: The Unexpected Connection to Hearing Loss03:36 The Struggle with Chronic Migraines and Overwhelming Fatigue06:03 Persistent Health Issues and the Search for Answers09:40 The Breakthrough: Finding the Right Doctor and Getting a Diagnosis20:55 Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Changes That Made a Difference25:35 The Power of Support Systems and Taking Care of Your Mental Health27:13 Conclusion: Finding Hope and a Path to HealingABOUT KERRI WASHERKerri Washer is a Sjogren's patient who has been through the diagnostic gauntlet. After it took over 10 years to diagnose her seronegative Sjogren's disease, she is now dedicated to sharing her story to help others learn how to effectively communicate with doctors and advocate for their health. Her goal is to help newly diagnosed patients recognize early symptoms to prevent organ involvement and to feel empowered on their own journey to healing.CONNECT WITH KERRI WASHERInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/healing.kerrilynnABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.PRESENTATION LINK - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gXyYh6j04T-Xlpa6iaI9Cvi5jZ5ZgXuQiBp8mTli2K3ocgZRMoy_cyluOnQyrNO_PKP780Gt
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By Kara Wada, MDWhat do you do when you know something is wrong, but doctor after doctor tells you you're "too young," "just stressed," or that "everything is normal"?In this powerful patient story, Kerri Washer shares her raw and honest decade-long journey to finally receiving a seronegative Sjogren's diagnosis. From early, unexplained symptoms like hearing loss to the persistent dismissal from multiple specialists, Kerri details the frustrating but ultimately triumphant process of learning how to advocate for herself and be heard.Listen to Kerri's story to feel seen, validated, and equipped with practical strategies for navigating the healthcare system and building a care team that finally listens.EPISODE IN A GLANCE00:00 Introduction: A Decade-Long Journey to Diagnosis01:53 Early Symptoms: The Unexpected Connection to Hearing Loss03:36 The Struggle with Chronic Migraines and Overwhelming Fatigue06:03 Persistent Health Issues and the Search for Answers09:40 The Breakthrough: Finding the Right Doctor and Getting a Diagnosis20:55 Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Changes That Made a Difference25:35 The Power of Support Systems and Taking Care of Your Mental Health27:13 Conclusion: Finding Hope and a Path to HealingABOUT KERRI WASHERKerri Washer is a Sjogren's patient who has been through the diagnostic gauntlet. After it took over 10 years to diagnose her seronegative Sjogren's disease, she is now dedicated to sharing her story to help others learn how to effectively communicate with doctors and advocate for their health. Her goal is to help newly diagnosed patients recognize early symptoms to prevent organ involvement and to feel empowered on their own journey to healing.CONNECT WITH KERRI WASHERInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/healing.kerrilynnABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.PRESENTATION LINK - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gXyYh6j04T-Xlpa6iaI9Cvi5jZ5ZgXuQiBp8mTli2K3ocgZRMoy_cyluOnQyrNO_PKP780Gt