Try to Stay Stress-Free!

Stress is one thing that most of us cannot avoid. No matter how hard we try to be stress-free, it always seems to creep up on us.  For those of us with lupus, we need to keep stress out of our lives as much as possible.  Stress is indeed one of our worst enemies.  Being stressed out can cause a flare, which is never good.  Stress can also prolong your flare and/or symptoms.  Having a free mind and a positive attitude always helps reduce stress. Do everything you can to keep your stress levels down.  For me, the first step to doing this is being able to identify stress factors in my life.  Sometimes we do not even realize that we are stressed. Learn your body and how your illness reacts to stress, so that you can identify trouble brewing. Remember...Less Stress = Longer Life!!


Tips to eliminate stress: 

• Know what stresses you out.
• Attempt to eliminate those stress factors.
• Do something you enjoy when you feel stressed.
• Try to relax. (warm bath, music, meditation)
• Talk to someone close to you.
• Send me a tweet or Facebook message ;0)

I am always here to listen!! Take care and try to be stress-free!!

With Love,

QUICK FACT 18

In approximately 10 percent of all lupus cases, individuals will have symptoms and signs of more than one connective tissue disease. A physician may use the term "overlap syndrome" or "mixed connective tissue disease" to describe this condition. 

Depending on how lupus affects their body, some people with lupus may need additional care from specialists, like a dermatologist for skin problems, a nephrologist for kidney disease, or a cardiologist for heart complications.

QUICK FACT 13

✔ In approximately 10 percent of all lupus cases, individuals will have symptoms and signs of more than one connective tissue disease. A physician may use the term "overlap syndrome" or "mixed connective tissue disease" to describe this condition.

Lupus, The Great Imitator

Did you know that Lupus is sometimes referred to as the Great Imitator? Lupus symptoms are very similar to those of several other common illnesses.  The most common symptoms of Lupus are fatigue, headaches, anemia,  joint pain, sun sensitivity, discoloration of fingertips in cold, fever, swelling, chest pain, butterfly rash, hair loss, blood clotting, and tiredness.  Quite the list in my opinion, but lets keep in mind that those are only the most common. 


Many of these symptoms can occur in other conditions and illnesses, such as arthritis, Lyme disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, pneumonia, alopecia, hemophilia and more.  This is why Lupus is called the Great Imitator, its symptoms are like the symptoms of many other conditions and illnesses.
 Full Article Here


I believe that this is also a reason that it is so difficult to diagnose Lupus.  When diagnosing Lupus doctors have to analyze multiple physical symptoms and test results.  The fact that every Lupus patient is unique (different combinations and severity of symptoms) increases the difficulty of diagnosing and treating the illness.  Lupus seems to imitate many illnesses.  Oh lucky me!! I get a taste of it all. I have even managed to develop the imitator (Lupus) and the imitated (arthritis).  Many of us have at least one other illness to accompany Lupus throughout our life.  All we can do is learn to cope and live life to the fullest.  Education is key!!  You should know what is going on with your body.  Take care and spread awareness!! 


With Love ღ
Simmi

QUICK FACT 8

It's Fibromyalgia Awareness Day! 


People with Fibromyalgia have similar symptoms to those of us with Lupus and arthritis.  What is Fibromyalgia?  It is a rheumatic condition with characteristics of widespread muscle/joint pain, fatigue and other symptoms.  Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood just like Lupus.  This illness can lead to depression and social isolation as well.  


More than 12 million American have Fibromyalgia.  Women are ten times more likely to get this disease than men.  Symptoms of Fibromyalgia are abdominal pain, anxiety and depression, chronic headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, stiffness, IBS, tingling in fingers and feet, hypersensitivity to heat or cold, inability to concentrate, dryness of eyes, mouth and nose, and incontinence.  This disease is a diagnosis of exclusion.  Meaning doctors rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.  


Sound familiar?  Please share your Fibromyalgia and Lupus stories.

Fatigue!! ☹

Well, I know many of us have feeling of exhaustion, sleepiness, etc...  Well I found a wonderful blog that I think you should check out!! There is a lot of good info there.


"Fatigue that is often severe, persistent and disabling is a common problem for lupus patients. A sense of exhaustion which interferes with normal functioning is an experience that affects as many as 70% of people with lupus. We all appreciate that illness of many types is associated with extreme tiredness. Fatigue is frequently the first symptom of common illnesses such as viral infection." Click to read blog


With Love ღ
Search Amazon.com for fatigue fighter