Here it is two weeks afer my trip to Chicago and I am still exhausted. No matter how much I sleep or nap. I just don’t feel energetic. It also doesn’t help that the last three weeks have been the end of school, my trip and closing of my office along with hearty dose of roaches and bed bugs. Nothing like a good stew of stress to make you feel sicker than ever. The first three stressors I knew about and I had a plan of attack to keep them from causing a flare up. As for the bed bugs, well, they happen and are difficult to kill.
Well…I believe that this is a flare up of my conditions. Whether it is the Lupus, RA or Sjogren’s acting up, it is difficult to tell. I am more inclined to say the Lupus since it is more stress sensitive. Also, I have had a rash magically appear this week with no known cause other than RA or the Lupus. My chest has felt heavier this week.
My suggestion for dealing with known traveling or stressful situations.
- Do take your vitamins and medications every day.
- Do take a nap if needed.
- Do stick to regular exercise or even ramp it up a little (very little). Endorphins help make you feel better.
- Stay connected to your social groups. Church, volunteering, etc.
- Eat healthy. (I have found myself drawn to fresh raw vegetables and beef.)
- If you are on oxygen, allow yourself a day in bed on the oxygen playing games, watching movies, knitting, etc. (I did that yesterday and I feel a little better today.) I have been taking my portable oxygen everywhere. It has been used frequently.
- Stay connected to God. I have found impromptu prayer to lift me in times of dire exhaustion when I know I can’t rest any time soon. My morning devotional time helps keep me in a positive frame of mind.
- Try alternative medicine. I have found a reflexology massage to easy my symptoms for up to two weeks. I am currently exploring Reiki. I have had two treatments after stressful days. Both times I slept better that night and my muscles in my back were looser.
- Pamper yourself. Get your nails done. I love having a pedicure once a month. There is something about having my feet soak while sitting in a massage chair that is uplifting. I am learning to schedule these pamperings during my lunch hour during stressful weeks. I come back with a nicer attitude and able to handle the rest of the day.
- Understand that this is a flare up. It will end after it has run its course and you have healed.
I am going to watch my symptoms very carefully. I am not due to see the doctors until the first week of August. If the exhaustion does not start to abate this next week, I will contact them.
I have various other doctor appointments and labs all summer long. I will be keeping you updated.
Now, here is my disclaimer. I am not in any way a medical professional. I research, read and investigate on my own. I am documenting my travels through this medical condition so others can see what may (and I say may) help them. I do have my herbology certificate. I do have a BS in Business Administration. I will be attending a Reiki training this summer.
The April and May editions of the magazine by Sjogren’s Foundation have incredible articles. They help you understand Sjogren’s and RA much better. April’s had the results of a survey that they did. It was very interesting about how much this affects your life, relationships and finances. You may or may not have Sjogren’s, but it is worth the annual fee just for the magazine with latest in medical and alternative methods for treating. Just so you know, almost every person with this condition has up to 5 other medical conditions associated with the diagnosis. I am one. Here is the link https://www.sjogrens.org/files/articles/SSFLivingwithSjogrens.pdf
Enjoy the article. Here is the link to the foundation https://www.sjogrens.org/
I will admit the biggest comfort is stopping and realizing that God knows what is going on. The bigger picture is beyond my human vision capacity. I figure God is telling me it is time to enjoy my summer break.