Alternative Treatments

Importance of Physical Therapy in Lupus

All the hoop-la caused by the hives and the resulting blood test and biopsy have calmed down a bit now that both tests came back negative for urticarial vasculitis. For those few weeks of waiting and taking extra medications, I found myself very drugged and unable to maintain my very limited routine of physical therapy and acupuncture. Getting back to my “normal” has proven difficult, but today I realized how important my physical therapy is in managing this disease. No more missing these appointments…. **

 

Body

One word to describe my Lupus body today:  Sore

Which habits and rituals did I practice to soothe my Lupus body?

  • Ate a clean diet
  • Moved and stretched
  • Got a gentle massage
  • Breathed fresh air
  • Stayed hydrated
  • Protected delicate skin

More details about my physical symptoms:
At physical therapy today, I was especially stiff and sore as she realigned my hips and tested my range of motion. The avascular necrosis in my hips, the spinal stenosis in my lower back/sacrum, and the peripheral neuropathy in my legs have all ganged upon me lately since I have not been moving and stretching as much with this breakout of autoimmune hives. I’ve been pretty sedentary while adjusting to the increased meds, and now my Lupus body is suffering the consequences.

 

Mind

One word to describe my Lupus mind today: Appreciative

Which habits and rituals did I practice to strengthen my Lupus mind?

  • Asked for and accepted help
  • Learned about Lupus

More details and thoughts about how I’m feeling emotionally today:
My physical therapist remains one constant in my management of this disease. And for that, I’m extremely appreciative. As a practitioner who specializes in autoimmune diseases impact on the body, she knows my Lupus body and shows me how to reduce the pain though movement, massage, and other therapies. Seeing her every week gives me a bit of solace knowing that someone understands what pain does to my Lupus body, mind, and spirit.

 

Spirit

One word to describe my spirit today: Love

Which habits and rituals did I practice to nurture my Lupus spirit?

  • Loved myself (trying)

Thoughts about my spiritual connection and spiritual lessons learned today:
The idea of conditional love is a lofty one. We think of having it for our children, especially. Despite their flaws, mistakes, and overall annoyance at times, we still love them. The idea of applying that unconditional love idea to myself has been something I struggle with. I continue to label myself as flawed because of the Lupus, unable to see its value in my life. I do want to love myself though, so one of the areas I plan to focus on more in my spiritual journey is self love. It’s my next step of spiritual growth as I live with Lupus.

 

Meals

Today my meals were:

  • Breakfast: Gluten free toast, boiled egg
  • Lunch: Homemade chicken salad lettuce wrap
  • Dinner: Grilled salmon, French fries, salad
  • Snacks: Kind bar with almond and coconut

 

Thanks

At least one thing that I’m grateful for today:

  • My physical therapist

**(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.)

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