Don't Let Auto-Immune Diseases Ruin Your Life

Auto-immune diseases are those where the person has an overactive immune response against tissues and organs normally present in the body. I simply say, "my body is attacking my own cells." Auto-immune diseases include Crohn's disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Sclerosis, Psoriatic Arthritis, plus many, many others. I have several different types of auto-immune diseases, including Hashimoto's Disease, Lupus-SLE, plus diseases that are now suspected to be auto-immune, like interstitial cystitis. Since I was diagnosed more than ten years ago, I've learned to live well with these diseases, meaning that with the proper parameters and mindset, I can manage my health and still enjoy life. My goal is to share experiences with others and hopefully help them, too.

1. Be Informed-learn everything you can about your diseases. Research the internet, go to the library, ask your doctor for brochures. Knowledge is power.
2. Be Prepared for Doctor's Appointments-I never go to the doctor's without a typed update of my conditions, status-how am I feeling now, new issues and conditions, list of medications and questions. I give a copy to them for their files. If you are reading this, you know twenty different problems are happening to your body at the same time. This list will help you remember your issues during those sometimes stressful and brief visits with your doctor. Prioritize your issues; you may not get to all of your points in each visit.
3. Don't Fight Fatigue-Fatigue often goes hand in hand with auto-immune disease. Imagine fighting the flu every single day. That's how I feel since my body has decided to attack my healthy cells every single day. Don't push yourself beyond that critical fatigue stage. REST. A ten minute nap might be all you need.
4. Redefine Your Parameters-I used to be an eighty hour work week person running my own company. Now I'm lucky if I have an hour a day of productivity. (This description might take days to write!). If you have a busy and hectic day, you might have some "down" time the next day. Anticipate the "yin and yang" of life. For example, whenever I have to travel, I must schedule a day of rest on each side of the trip. Don't over-extend.
5. Appreciate Simplicity-getting hit by these diseases must have been "someone's" method of making me stop and smell the roses. Now, if my hands don't hurt and I can open a jar, it's a great day! Sit outside and breathe the fresh air. Take some time for tea in the afternoon. Simplify your life.
6. Find Your Passion-I need something to look forward to everyday. It helps get me beyond the pain and fatigue. For me it's being creative. For others, it might be going to the library and researching your family history or learning a new skill. Whatever. Find what motivates you.
7. Healing with Creativity-I just alluded to it on point #6. I've found that tapping into whatever part of the brain that stimulates creativity also helps you to heal-or at least deal with the diseases better. In the morning when I have the most energy I paint, draw, or write. Playing an instrument has also become important to me again. Listening to music is healing. Put those headphones on and get absorbed by the sounds.
8. Meditation-being mindful and quiet for fifteen to thirty minutes a day is a blessing. Get a meditation CD that guides you through the process or sign up for a class at a local holistic center.
9. Seek Alternative Options-I firmly believe in complementing the breakthroughs of western medicine with those traditions thousands of years old. Acupuncture has been wonderful for me along with massage, meditation, reiki and other techniques. If you are using herbal supplements, check with your doctor to make sure there are no conflicts with your prescription drugs.
10. Help Others-Don't be mired in self pity. Instead, you can reach out and help others who have similar problems by giving them your uplifting stories of hope and healing. The most important tidbit of advice is by helping others you are less immersed in your own misery! Volunteer at school, church or at a local community center. Give of yourself.
11. Move It or Lose It-Yes, exercise is crucial for dealing with auto-immune disease. My motto is "move it or lose it." I need to keep my joints viable and flexible. Additionally, the endorphins released help your overall mental health, too.
12. Reduce Stress-This is probably the most important aspect of dealing with auto-immune diseases. Many of the ideas listed above are designed to do just that. However, I'm absolutely convinced that stress is perhaps the biggest contributing factor in triggering "flares" or increased activity of the diseases. Anti-anxiety medications might be part of your "auto-immune medication cocktail." Talk to your doctor about this.

These are my twelve steps that I've incorporated into my everyday plan to live well with auto-immune diseases. Think about what you've done that helps you cope and thrive. I'd love to hear your feedback!