I will be the first one to admit that maybe staying home to avoid Covid was good for me. My doctors have stated that my labs have been the best ever.
Endocrinologist even stated that when he met me 6 years ago my adrenal glands and hypothalamus had shut down. They are now both functioning after 5 years.
Let me be honest. This has been 5 years of trying different vitamins, adjusting food intakes, dietary accommodations and re-arranging my life down to every day, hour and minute. If something made me feel bad, try doing less, not doing it or finding an alternative. This applied to food, exercise, errands, sleep, pillows, equipment, ADA accommodations and clothing.
If you have been recently diagnosed with an auto immune condition, please do the following….
- Educate yourself. Find out how it affects you physically and mentally.
- Try different therapies. I added complimentary therapies, changed diet, yoga and massage in addition to my medications.
- Do communicate with the Doctor(s) about ANY side effects of the medications that may be prescribed.
- Stay in communication regularly with the Doctor(s) about any new symptoms.
- Keep a journal for at least the first year. Log how you feel each day, what you eat and exercise. It helps you find a correlation between symptoms and reactions to daily activities.
- File for ADA accommodations at your work. JAN network is a great resource. Your company may have a disability office to do this with.
- Realize that your life will never be “normal”. It will always be different each and every day. Thank God every morning you open your eyes whether you are suffering or not.
- Remember that it is okay to ask for help. It is also okay to stretch yourself to stay active.
Most of all, start your day of with God. Read the Bible, pray and meditate. Know that when He limits you, there is a better purpose ahead.
I know that this journey is not even close to being done.