Living with an autoimmune disorder
Being saddled with an autoimmune disease sadly seems to sign you up to a lifetime of regular adjustments to your diet and daily activities. Some days it’s all firing right and you feel as if you can handle most anything; then others are so debilitating you can’t even get out of bed. It also seems as if you get a handle on one set of symptoms, only to have new ones take their place. It can be incredibly frustrating – and worse, often seriously depressing. Though each condition has its own set of difficulties, all can hopefully be made better by these simple steps…
As difficult as it sometimes may be, put yourself first. Don’t over-commit to anything, whether it’s a cocktail party you may not feel up to attending or working at a job where stresses are far bigger than your paycheque – stress can trigger any number of debilitating symptoms.
Experiment to see what works. Always work with your physician and/or nutritionist but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to finding what works for you and what doesn’t. For instance, omega 3 fish oil is reported to be substantially helpful to some; is it for you? Or maybe you have certain undiagnosed food allergies that will make you feel infinitely better once addressed?
The point is you are unique – as is your medical condition. But just as your health care may require its own path, don’t forget that you aren’t alone with your condition. Not only do you have loved ones in your corner but there are also numerous support groups out there where you can talk, listen, learn and even share your knowledge with others. There can be strength in numbers so find a group that truly understands what you’re dealing with, and together you’ll get through.