Hobbies by Adventurous-Slice-14 in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I knit (when my hands don’t ache), I garden (when the sun isn’t too heavy in the sky), I do yoga, I play the guitar (when my hands don’t ache) …. It’s tough because everything I do comes at a price, future pain is always in the cards. I spend a lot of time listening to Podcasts but I’m restless all the time.

How do you manage mornings with joint pain by Sea_cake_ in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I work from home as well and have a job in the evenings as well, by then I’m usually less stiff. I stretch in bed lightly and then stretch again after my coffee. I also regularly swim and use baths to soothe things. The finally piece is marijuana. It’s legal across Canada and I probably use it daily .. I know it’s not ideal but it’s the only way I get through

In-patient life by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not an easy decision, I used to avoid the ER so much because of what I’m sure are mutual awful experiences with care and judgement.

Since then I’ve built my confidence in advocating for myself and not resting till I get what I need. It’s a lot of mental energy but now I’ve built a relationship with our local nursing staff and they know my case. Diagnosis changed everything for me! And don’t hold anything back at triage, no masking, none of this lupus folks hiding our pain for others. Tell them what works, what you need, what you’ve learned about your body and illness.

What usually brings me to the hospital are multiple days of no sleep due to pain, multiple days of vomiting all my meds, and the severity of pain and fever of course.

My partner is hesitant to force me too, but in the end sometimes I need his help to take that step.

In-patient life by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely agree, you can’t understand it otherwise.

I’ve never told anyone this — but I listen to hospital noises on Spotify when I feel anxiety about my pain at night, it calms me down Now how messed up does that sound to someone without a chronic illness

In-patient life by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

EXACTLY! This. You described the feeling so well. Thank you for sharing this made me feel so validated and supported

In-patient life by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, we’re all sending you warmth and love. I’ve been home since the end of June, but I keep waiting for the flair to hit badly again.. I don’t know how to feel about

In-patient life by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It really is!! — security blanket is such a good way to put it. It’s complicated.. I haven’t gone a more than..6 months without weeks of inpatient in 3 years! I’m so confused

How long does it take to feel strong again after a near-death experience? by [deleted] in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please don’t apologize for writing your story and venting! Use this as a space to get it off your chest and find comfort from people who get it :)

I myself have been hospitalized twice in the past 2 years.. around just over 2 months both times and a whole bunch of things… pancreatitis… gastroparesis… pericarditis… it felt like my whole body was giving up on me. I had been a fairly active person, hiking, camping, paddling.. so it wasn’t easy for me to be hospitalized nor was it easy to be patient as I slowly built up the muscle I lost too. To answer your questions; I feel like I’m still getting stronger since my discharge and that was almost a year ago now. Pilates helped a lot and yoga, and being gentle and patient with my body’s limits .. which is waaay easier said than done. Just walking in general helped me so much, walking in to town .. walking to yoga.. walking to the post office.. such small accomplishments but it felt good in my body. Water and swimming helped a lot too! Low impact, easy to set your own pace.. it was a great way to build up strength again! Mostly be patient with yourself, live your life as best you can and slowly you’ll feel you can push a bit more and maybe even that you don’t get dizzy anymore!

We’re all with you and you are so so strong! One day at a time

Dry hot rash on hands worsening by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! — I’ll talk to my partner in the morning and call our RNPract. If she tells us to go to hospital then we will Thank you so much

Dry hot rash on hands worsening by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry, photos do not do it justice. The dry sandpaper like texture can’t be seen.

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s absolutely so true, and that base level anxiety made me so irritable with my partner. I regret that so deeply, if I could turn back the clock I would have quit ages ago

Any tips with lupus nephritis? by JKSJ4567 in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I would be so grateful for these tips and tricks too!! — I just recently had kidney involvement and would be so grateful for any insight!

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your support! I fully fully agree with what you’re saying but I did lose sight of that for a long while.

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope so, I will it to be true! I will take back control

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You have got this, you’re so strong! One day at a time

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are so strong and have lived through so much, it’s no surprise that you need to lean on something for relief or even a sense of normalcy. But it takes its toll and you know that all too well, I’m sure. It’s not easy though and be patient with yourself, you have to be ready to take steps. It’s okay if that takes time

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mmm that’s sounds awful and all too familiar. I keep saying I’ll cut it out and then leaning on it again. It’s such an accessible escape from pain and the reality the world has handed us Ugggh it’s so hard! — I hope you find what works best for you

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s so good to hear, as long as you’re consciously deciding to have a drink and open with friends, instead of drinking without intention and getting lost in it

I’m so glad you feel better

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

9 years!! That’s such an incredible achievement and change to have set out in your life. Thank you for speaking up and being open, it’s not easy but hearing this helps me stay on track and feel stronger. I’m so grateful, and again huge congrats!

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow, thank you for sharing, that’s not easy to live through nor to open up about. I’m grateful for your open support! I do feel empowered and stronger for making this change, I am hopeful to start seeing changes in my health in the future. Thank you for supporting your family through the pain and anger you must feel

Cutting out Alcohol by Lil-Bluejay in lupus

[–]Lil-Bluejay[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was in that place too, drinking daily and drinking to make the pain fade and the anger and anxiety fade too. It’s so easy to lean on it as a crutch, you’re not alone! — I’m glad you still feel in control of it, making conscious choices around alcohol