The inability to sleep is one of the quieter ways we Lupus patients suffer. When nighttime rolls around, everything that was bothering you during the day seems to amplify a bit. When this happens night after night, the repercussions are enormous. And, I’m not sure calling it insomnia does it justice…. **
Body
One word to describe my Lupus body today: Insomnia
Which habits and rituals did I practice to soothe my Lupus body?
- Ate a Clean Diet
- Moved and Stretched
- Stayed Hydrated
More details about my physical symptoms:
I’m having trouble sleeping, and it’s wearing me down. Before the frozen shoulder syndrome diagnosis, sleeping was difficult but manageable. With the pain in my chest, hips, and back, there was only one position that enabled me to go to sleep with less pain–on my right side. Sleeping on my left side was out because of the painful scar tissue leftover from my pulmonary embolism; sleeping on my stomach for some reason caused difficulty with breathing; sleeping on my back caused pain in my hips and legs. So, my right side was my go-to position. But now that I have the adhesive scapulitis in my right shoulder, I can’t sleep. Something’s got to give here. Lupus can’t take away my sleep, too!
Mind
One word to describe my Lupus mind today: Unsettled
Which habits and rituals did I practice to strengthen my Lupus mind?
- Managed Expectations
- Managed Stress Response
- Connected with My Doctor
More details and thoughts about how I’m feeling emotionally today:
Physical pain and lack of sleep are making me terribly unsettled. In addition, I’m having to add to my schedule yet another session of physical therapy because of the frozen shoulder. I had my schedule to the point where it was manageable for my energy level and pain. So, adding more to it is just too much. It seems that anxiety rears it’s ugly head again. Thankfully, I was able to work on it with my psychotherapist today. She always has great insights and reminds me that I’m more than my anxiety. She said that I must remember that this feeling too will pass as I settle into my routine again.
Spirit
One word to describe my spirit today: Unanchored
Which habits and rituals did I practice to nurture my Lupus spirit?
- Meditated, Prayed, Visualized
Thoughts about my spiritual connection and spiritual lessons learned today:
I’m looking for peace today. It’s elusive, as I drift about spiritually. Meditation feels like a futile exercise. I did it anyway, but I’m in no way centered at this point.
Meals
Today my meals were:
- Breakfast: Paleo banana muffin
- Lunch: Homemade chicken salad sandwich on gluten-free bread
- Dinner: Turkey meatloaf, sweet potatoes, green beans
- Snacks: Gala apple
Thanks
At least one thing that I’m grateful for today:
- My psychotherapist
**(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.)
