Heal

COPING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS

While this is certainly my least favorite subject, it is one that affects me daily. Four years ago we discovered that the symptoms that had been tormenting me for months were a result of Lupus – a chronic, incurable, autoimmune disease. In simplistic terms my immune system goes into overdrive and not only attacks illness and infection, but other body parts as well. Just as I got a handle on the pertinent medical terminology, testing, medications and lifestyle changes, I learned the meaning of a common phrase in the autoimmune world: “when you find one autoimmune disease, look for another.”

Further testing over the last few years has also uncovered Celiac Disease, and Sjogren’s Syndrome. To avoid lengthy lists of symptoms and medical explanations, I have listed links to further information and helpful websites below.

These illnesses have been the most frustrating, overwhelming and limiting experiences of my life. Some posts in this blog will deal with the daily trials. Others will offer hope, as with trial comes discovery. When one’s health is constrained, we make the most of the “good days.” I feel compelled to show my children success, record my love for them, and create lasting memories. Perhaps it takes being caught in one of life’s riptides to realize our anchors. We are shown clearly who and what we should hold on to forever.

LUPUS

http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html

http://despitelupus.blogspot.com/

http://www.arthritis.org/

CELIAC DISEASE

http://www.celiac.org/

http://glutenfreetravelsite.com/

SJOGREN’S SYNDROME

http://www.sjogrens.org/

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LIVING WITH LUPUS

• Rest: http://wind-inspired.com/2011/06/21/fathers-day-and-the-usa/
• Some days: http://wind-inspired.com/2012/02/09/the-thursday-after/
• Running & Lupus: http://wind-inspired.com/2011/10/17/run-day-week-1023/

LIVING WITH CELIAC DISEASE:

• Starting Out: http://wind-inspired.com/2012/03/13/our-daily-bread/

LIVING WITH SJOGREN’S SYNDROME

• Venus Williams: http://wind-inspired.com/2011/12/05/run-day-week-1723/

GENERAL GOOD HEALTH

• Living with Superman: http://wind-inspired.com/2012/01/12/superman-and-the-crazy-lady/
• Yoga & Yogurt: http://wind-inspired.com/2011/05/23/yoga-is-like-yogurt/

MEDICAL CARE

• Laughter is the Best Medicine I: http://wind-inspired.com/2011/10/12/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-the-beginning/
• Laughter is the Best Medicine II: http://wind-inspired.com/2011/10/13/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-the-middle/
• Laughter is the Best Medicine III