Days like today remind me that my pain can always get worse. Just when I think I’ve dealt with the worst of it, Lupus inflammation sets off a chain reaction of pain to my skin, my joints, and internally. As my level of Lupus pain continues to increase over time, I find it amazing just how much a body can take…. **
Body
One word to describe my Lupus body today: Inflamed
Which habits and rituals did I practice to soothe my Lupus body?
- Ate a clean diet
- Stayed hydrated
More details about my physical symptoms:
The hives and the pain continues today like they have all week. I haven’t been able to calm my body down since returning from the trip. I feel like I’m on fire. The hives are hot. My joints are hot. The pain in my back and hips have worsened, and I now have excruciating pain in my shoulder like never before. It’s been a long while since I’ve felt this bad with so many symptoms all at once. What the heck? Could last week’s road trip have caused all this?
Mind
One word to describe my Lupus mind today: Depressed
Which habits and rituals did I practice to strengthen my Lupus mind?
- Protected alone time
- Managed expectations
More details and thoughts about how I’m feeling emotionally today:
All this pain is sending me into a state of depression during the day and anxiety at night. My ying and yang of emotional distress. I’m working on being patient as I use my alone time to rest and remind myself that I have habits and rituals to help me get back on track to my “norm.”
Spirit
One word to describe my spirit today: Blessed
Which habits and rituals did I practice to nurture my Lupus spirit?
- Meditated, prayed, visualized
- Enjoyed sacred space
Thoughts about my spiritual connection and spiritual lessons learned today:
I’m quieting myself often to empty my mind, allowing it to receive spiritual guidance during this painful time. With what little energy I had today, I went into my sacred space, lit a candle, and just sat there, focusing on all my blessings.
Meals
Today my meals were:
- Breakfast: Paleo banana muffin, Gala apple
- Lunch: Leftover homemade pork carnitas, fresh corn on the cob
- Dinner: Oven-baked rock fish (fresh), red potatoes, peas
- Snacks: None
Thanks
At least one thing that I’m grateful for today:
- Sacred space
- Ability to pray
**(This post is based on the format of the Lupus Diary that I developed for keeping track of how Lupus affects my body, mind, and spirit, I check-in here once a week to let you know about the more interesting days of my Lupus journey. To learn more about the Lupus Diary, how I developed it, and why I use it, click here.)
