This is not a Pity Party
It was as though I suddenly caught the flu and could not shake it for about 6 months. I remember waking up one morning and just did not feel like myself. I thought I was coming down with the flu. But I also knew I just did not feel right. You know when you get that achy, sluggish flu like feel where you could just crawl back to bed and know that the cold medicine you took will make you feel better within 48 hours or so. Well, that did not happen; I felt as though my body was hit by a Mack truck. The pain I felt was excruciating, the sluggish feeling became complete exhaustion, and the 48 hour recovery lasted about 6 months off and on. It took about 3 years before I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder along the Lupus Spectrum. It attacks my connective tissues.
Pain became part of my life because it was consistent. I knew when the rain was coming, or if the temperature dropped and became just a little too cold, if I was too stressed, or if my body just decided to go out of whack. It seemed as though I just could’t shake it. I learned to live with my new committed relationship. This post is not to talk about being sick or to have a pity party. It’s more about what pain did for me. You see at first, I became used to the pain I felt. To the point that I became numb to it. There were days I would just feel so disappointed that this is happening to me. You see when you feel pain it puts you in a very low place. It makes you want to give up on yourself. I didn’t like what was happening to me. I began losing the fire that I took pride in having. When this sudden change happened to me not only in my physical health but also my mental and emotional health, I knew it was time for a change. Life choices had to be made.
First thing I did was my research- I mean how life threatening was this thing? Was I going to die? The scariest thing I learned was that there are as many as 80 autoimmune diseases. The problem is they all have similar signs and symptoms and many go undetected for many years and are very difficult to diagnose. REMEMBER it took me 3 years. Over 50 million Americans are diagnosed and as many as 75% are women. WOW!!! I am a woman for sure so I do fall into that box. And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse African American, Hispanic and Native Americans have increased risks of developing an autoimmune disease. At first I was deflated, I stared at the statistics and health information as if it was a death sentence. But quickly realized that was not an option.
I STARTED TO LISTEN TO MY BODY
One Key piece of evidence was the effects stress caused and took a toll on my body. Stress increased inflammation in my body which in turn caused pain. My goal became how do I manage stress and decrease inflammation.
Meditation- I know it may sound cliche’ but, I enrolled in Oprah and Deepak Chopra’s 21 day challenges. They were life changing. It not only pushed me into a routine, it also shifted me into a mindful mindset. Taking 20 minutes every morning to just sit still and breathe got me back on track to feeling better. Now I use the Calm App when the challenges are not available.
Exercise- Autoimmune diseases tend to make you feel exhausted. So I began moving again. I don’t exercise to lose weight at all. (Actually I needed to gain weight) I exercise to help build strength and fuel my body with energy. Quick 7 minute workouts to start my day have become routine.
Diet- This is the most important for me. I had to look into foods that helped decrease inflammation in the body. I learned to eat a diet rich in foods that fight inflammation-triggering free radicals and toxins. Here’s a list of some of the foods I incorporated.
- tomatoes
- olive oil
- green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards.
- nuts like almonds and walnuts.
- fatty fish like salmon, mackerel
- fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
My journey to better health have truly taught me a lesson that through pain there is strength and resilience. Struggling with a chronic disease or any disease test you daily. It is either you will allow the disease to win the battle or you choose to fight. Everyday I choose the latter: I choose to FIGHT! I am walking in my own light with a smile.
If you would like me to go in-depth or explain in more detail any of my lifestyle changes feel free to ask in the comment section below.
