Explaining what it is like to live with a chronic illness is no easy task! It becomes even more challenging when our attempts to keep up with holiday traditions are thwarted by a flare. Below […]
As we near the end of 2019, I want to share how I am coping with the final weeks and days and what it means for next year.
Life with one or more chronic illnesses is tough. Yet each year we expect our pain riddled bodies to keep up with the ghosts of Christmas or holiday past. Here are a few suggestions to help you survive the holidays!
You may have noticed in the past few weeks that I haven’t been as active on social media as I am normally. The reason for this is…..
Massage chairs are a fantastic option for at home pain relief. One of these are sure to fit your needs and home!
Within a few months of seeing me for psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia, my rheumatologist could see how much I was struggling to walk any distance. In fact, it was he who suggested that I get a parking placard for my car and handed me a form with his signature to get one asap. What was strange is that he never discussed use of a mobility aid.
There two forms of self-care. There’s the fun kind that everybody likes and the not so fun kind that feels more like work than a good time. Today I am sharing the importance of both and why they should be discussed with newly diagnosed patients.
I can’t imagine anyone likes asking for help. I know I don’t. But as the pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis increased, I had no choice but to give in. I often wonder if it would have been such a painful process had I been warned at the time of my diagnosis. My guess is that….
I was caught off guard by the changes that took place in regards to my relationships with others. As a stay-at-home mother and wife my role was to care for everyone. But that all changed after my body was hijacked by fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis.
To expect millions of people who are as different from each other as the sun and moon are to find relief from one, two, or even three options is absolutely ridiculous! What we need are pain management plans that address us individually, not as group.
The problem is
For doctors and patients to have a better understanding of how the disease progressing, what could be triggering symptoms/pain, and the impact it is having on the patient’s life they both need to see the full story, not just one day or week of the patient’s life.
Let’s talk about sex!
Chronic pain from fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis will destroy your sex life unless you are willing to accept and make changes.
What needs to change?
Things that may need reevaluating are:
Our prescribed treatments aren’t going to help if we are struggling with our mental health. Reasons why therapy is important after receiving a chronic illness diagnosis.
Receiving a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease is overwhelming. There is so much to take in, especially if you have no knowledge about your diagnosed disease and weren’t expecting it.
Instead of waiting until 2020 to set and reach health goals, I am doing it now with the help of a Pack Health coach!
For healthcare to work, we the patient, need to be heard. Find out what I am doing to give the medical community a better understanding of what is important to us.
How many times have had an appointment with a new doctor only to have them ignore, dismiss, or laugh at your symptoms and concerns? What if you could interview doctors before scheduling an appointment?
Part of my self-care practice includes recognizing what I have to be thankful for. Join me this November by giving thanks all month long!
Wearable pain relief devices to keep your chronic pain on the down low and you on the go!
Looking for Halloween themed clothing that is both cute and comfortable? Here are some suggestions that will bring some magic to your holiday wardrobe!
