Living with an Autoimmune Disease
Living with an autoimmune disease is trying. One day you feel okay and the next every movement you make brings pain. Mostly during trying times, I fear when things will get even worse. I've been living with rheumatoid arthritis for almost 9 years. They have been some of the most challenging years of my life, but I'm still alive, so God has a purpose for my life. He also has a purpose for your life too!
We all have different ways to cope with struggles and I'd like to share what's helped me:
1. Give yourself a break
Find the balance between pushing yourself to stay active and listening to your body. This is one of my greatest challenges.
Sometimes you do need to rest.
Giving your best is good enough.
2. Reach out for help and support
Even though it feels like complaining, remember to ask for help. I hate asking for help, but when people who understand my RA know I'm struggling, they are ALWAYS supportive. For people who are trying to understand your disease share with them about what you're going through. Maybe it's not that they don't care, but that they don't understand it.
Even though, I wish I could do what everyone else can, I can't. Missing out on sleep hurts you. Your body needs time to recoup. Learn how much sleep your body requires to function properly. I need at least 8 hours.
4. Eat Healthy
Good food helps fuel your body and give you energy. Bad food makes me feel sluggish and blah. I love snacking on fruit, carrots, unsalted almonds, and banana chips (my favorite). I try to make sure I'm getting enough protein and veggies. I deal with feet swelling, so monitor my salt content VERY closely.
5. Stay active
It's better to stay active than not to. For me, it keeps my joints from getting too stiff.
My chiropractor is key to keeping my body in good working order.
I work out with very physically fit people who can do things my body can't do. They've learned that I push myself and if I say I can't do something it's not that I'm being lazy, but I'm trying to manage my health. So, I find an alternate exercise that doesn't tax a pained joint. I often feel self-conscious about things I can't do and I get sad, but I have to be honest with myself and my friends about it. I remind myself that I can do things that people with other health issues can't do and that helps my state of mind.
The key is to the do the best that you can. On days where I just don't want to work out, I remember that something is better than nothing and how much working out keeps my joints moving. Also, drink lots of water and maybe eat a small snack to give you energy for your workout.
6. Find a doctor who listens and responds promptly to communication
Don't be afraid to call and ask for meds to help with your symptoms. Ask questions. That's what they're there for. Be your own advocate.
7. Faith
For me, my faith has been such a source of strength and comfort. I pray about my joint pain and I know God hears me. I don't want my pain to be wasted, so I try to learn something from everything. Having RA has greatly increased my empathy. I ask my church, friends, and family for prayer when I need it. Knowing people are praying for me always helps my heart and health.
8. Encouragement
I find encouragement through reading my Bible, friends, family, positive quotes on Pinterest and Facebook, and prayer.
9. Talk About It
Find someone you can talk to candidly about what you're going through. Friends, family, or a therapist will do the trick. My mom knows when I need to hear things that may help the problem and is open to when I just need her to listen. We all generally know when someone really wants to know how we are or when they just want a one-word reply.
To those who also have an autoimmune disease; we're all in this together. To those that know someone with an autoimmune disease, be patient with us, pray for us, hug us, and thank you for caring!
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