Venus Williams out of U.S. Open after Sjogren's Syndrome diagnosis

Venus Williams on happy day, at Wimbledon on June 24, 2011

/ AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus

(CBS/AP) Venus Williams says she has Sjogren's syndrome? What's that?

That's a question tennis fans have been asking since the 31-year-old tennis ace withdrew unexpectedly from the U.S. Open on Wednesday, saying she has the autoimmune disease and that its symptoms were making it hard to play.

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"I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon," Williams said.

Sjogren's (pronounced SHOW-grens) is an incurable disease in which the body's white blood cells attack the salivary glands and other glands that produce moisture. It produces a wide variety of symptoms, including dry eyes and mouth and fatigue, and can be hard to diagnose.

What will having Sjogren's mean for Williams and her career?

"It does not seem life-threatening or career-ending," Dr. John Fitzgerald, director of clinical rheumatology at UCLA, who is not involved in Williams' diagnosis or treatment.

The former No. 1 ranked women's tennis player, winner of 7 Grand Slam titles, Williams was unseeded at the U.S. Open this year because of limited playing time. Since reaching the semifinals at last year's U.S. Open, Williams has played only 11 matches.

On Monday, when asked about the illness that caused her to skip tournaments this summer, Williams declinded to say what her ailment was - only that it had been diagnosed.

"It was just energy-sucking, and I just couldn't play pro tennis," she said Monday. "Just to miss so much time off tour was just disheartening. But I'm just really excited to be back."

For now, that comeback has been derailed.

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Venus Williams has Sjogren's Syndrome: What is it?

[dotslady]

I am so sorry to read this. I hope she looks into the connection to celiac diseae and/or trying a gluten-free diet (and dairy-free, sugar-free) to relieve symptoms whether or not she is positive to a celiac panel blood test. She may be gluten sensitive, and gluten-free diet will help with inflammation. Look into a Paleo diet as a good base and then personalize to individual needs.

Google 'sjogrens gluten' or 'sjogrens celiac' and/or 'sjogrens gluten blog' etc. There are others who are doing well this way.

[dbkita]

@Newster1:

Your comment is totally ignorant. While the autoimmune disorder is not curable it is treatable.

@baileyccc:

Immunosuppressants are not poisons. While I detest big pharma as much as anyone, standard immunosuppressants can be an invaluable treatment tool.

And before either of you jump all over my post with your ignorance ... I too suffer from an incurable autoimmune disorder.

The key really is the diagnosis so you can begin targeted treatment. I suffered horrific muscle, nerve, and joint pain for a decade before a doctor finally made the accurate diagnosis. I then made more progress in six months than I had in the previous ten years. I just regret all the years I lost with incompetent medical doctors at supposedly prestigious institutions who told me there was nothing wrong with me. A good doctor who actually solves problems is priceless.

I wish Venus the best. I have no idea if she will ever return to top flight form on the pro circuit but she can have a long and rewarding life if she gets on a good treatment plan. Best of luck to you Venus!

[baileyccc]

Everything is incurable according to Big Pharma, but they can control the symptoms with synthetic poisons(they call these poisons drugs, it is a nicer name).

[moretruthnow]

I am sorry that she is suffering this autoimmune disorder. Best wishes.