5 Ways to Stay Happy & Healthy: Living With Lupus
Hydrate!
In all of my years of experiencing flare-ups when dealing with Lupus, the one constant that drove me to get really sick is not drinking enough fluids. In the very beginning, I was especially bad at this, I played sports, worked out, and didn’t even bother to drink the minimum required amount. It wasn’t until I got hospitalized while in high school where I made the connection. A terrible migraine came on almost immediately and I felt everything start to shut down one night. I went to the ER with my dad, and they gave me an IV and within an hour, I felt as good as new. It was then that I realized that staying hydrated would alleviate some of the issues I was having. Once I began drinking more water, I began to see a huge shift in how I felt overall, and how strong my body became in the face of flare-ups. Trust me, the weaker you are, the easier it is for Lupus to take you down.
Take Your Meds
Please don't forget to take anything prescribed by your Rheumatologist, Nephrologist, etc. I am a stubborn patient when it comes to this. The side effects of prednisone, and most steroids, are horrid, especially at high doses. However, I've grown to realize that my doctors know what they are doing. They see things I don't see. I figure. I feel great. Why do I need to take this? On the outside. I feel wonderful. Sometimes I feel like I am on top of the world. However, there may be issues on the inside that need some work. I have been lucky enough to see some of the brightest doctors in my area. They have had to explain to me a few times why I'm taking certain medications, but I have grown accustomed to trusting their judgment and having faith that everything will work out in the long run. If you need to set reminders, do it. I've developed a morning routine to make sure I stay on top of this. Even though, sometimes I've had to drive back home after parking at work because I forgot to take my medication. It happens. But, remember to take them on time.
Exercise
Let's be honest here. How many of you fell out of the routine for a few days and it turns into weeks and maybe even months? I have. I used to work out at least five days a week. With many different things going on in my life now, it is hard for me to prioritize exercise in my hectic schedule. However, it's essential. Very essential. The stronger and more durable your body is, the less of an effect flare-ups and getting sick will have on you. You don't have to throw around 200lbs, in the weight room to achieve this. Anything as simple as walking for 30 minutes is enough to get your body working efficiently. Swimming is the number one go-to for us because it provides less stress on our joints and is a wonderful cardio exercise. Do what works for you. I recently had an upper respiratory infection that had me out for the count. With a lack of exercise, I felt the weakest I have ever felt. Don't get me wrong: infections are huge deals when you have Lupus. Don't hesitate to seek relief when you feel something is wrong. However, I would have felt a tad bit better if I was taking the steps needed to maintain my level of activity and prepare for the storm.
Watch Your Diet
I'm not an expert on this one, but I have heard from other Lupus Warriors and felt the effects of not properly watching what I eat. For me, I have to be extra attentive to how certain foods make me feel. Mind you, I'm not stopping at McDonald's every day, but I certainly can improve my diets based on what my doctors have instructed. Fruits and vegetables are always a green light. They add so many benefits beyond fighting against infections and keeping you healthy. There has been a huge shift in how I feel day to day after I started incorporating more fruits and veggies into my diet. I've heard everything from dairy to spicy food to alcohol can bring on inflammation. Luckily for me, I can still eat spicy foods but who knows how long that will be for. Overall though, find out what works for you. Keeping a journal or log can help explain what your dietary limits should be. There are established diets that doctors recommend and working from there will greatly improve your quality of life. Not only did I find out too much dairy can potentially bring me joint pain, but I also found out that I have become lactose intolerant.
Talk About It
Many of the resources I have found had to be searched for. There are apps such as LupusCorner and communities that you can reach out to and be apart of. The most important thing is that you express what is going on and know that you are not alone. Constant pain and fluctuations in your body can take a major toll on your mental health. From time to time, I struggle with not feeling like a "normal person" or just flat out being overwhelmed with having to do so much while feeling terrible and exhausted. It's a tough battle especially when it feels like no one quite understands. Do not let that deter you from talking about it with people who do. Lupus definitely beats you down physically, but once it starts taking a mental toll, it can become a vicious cycle. One that can be difficult to get out of.
TALK. Talk to me here in the comments or send me an email. Don’t go through the fight thinking you are the only one. Lupus is a silent disease but that shouldn’t stop you from voicing your concerns.