Sometimes living with Lupus gives me the opportunity to experience something new, and sometimes it opens my eyes about something that’s been there all along. Most times, what I learn isn’t good, but today’s revelations were…. **
Body
One word to describe my Lupus body today: Shoulder
Which habits and rituals did I practice to soothe my Lupus body?
- Ate a clean diet
- Stayed hydrated
- Breathed fresh air
- Smiled and laughed
More details about my physical symptoms:
My frozen shoulder (adhesive capulitis, described in this earlier post) got lots of attention today. This morning, I had physical therapy, which consisted of manual therapeutic massage of my rigid muscles (ahhhh), followed by ultrasound to help with pain. After that, my shoulder was treated to electrical stimulation and an ice pack, simultaneously, to help with reducing the inflammation. I thought we were trying to “thaw” my frozen shoulder, not freeze it even more with ice–too cold! This afternoon, I made my way to my acupuncture appointment, where she added “cupping” to my regimen. Like acupuncture, cupping is a traditional Chinese-based alternative therapy. Unlike acupuncture, there are no needles; instead, cupping uses glass bulbs with a pump on the end to create suction. This increases blood flow to the area and promotes healing and pain relief, my acupuncturist said. I must say, even though I have big red circles on and around my shoulder where the cups were, this new treatment seems to be helping to reduce my pain level. Who knew?
Mind
One word to describe my Lupus mind today: Confused
Which habits and rituals did I practice to strengthen my Lupus mind?
- Asked for and accepted help
- Connected with my doctor
More details and thoughts about how I’m feeling emotionally today:
As if going through a full day of treatments on my shoulder wasn’t enough, I also had my bi-weekly psychotherapy appointment sandwiched between physical therapy and acupuncture. I really need these appointments with my psychotherapist to deal with the ongoing anxiety of living with Lupus. No matter how much I pick it apart, dissect its origins, and try to come up with a way to eliminate it, the anxiety is always there; waxing and waning, but always there. Both Hubby and my doctor reminded me today that it’s more of a physical anxiety, due to the pain. I know people living with Lupus live with some level of pain everyday. Having the anxiety along side it is just very difficult to accept, and even harder to manage. I wish it were as simple for me to understand as it is for them.
Spirit
One word to describe my spirit today: Connected
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:
The center where I receive my acupuncture (and now cupping) therapy is a beautifully serene place, complete with all the sights, smells, and sounds one would expect…. Asian artwork, silk fabric banners, essential oil fragrance wafting through the air, soft New Age music piped in every room. It’s so conducive to meditation, prayer, and visualization that I always find myself extremely spiritually connected there. Today, with the extra treatment, I was so happy to be able to meditate even longer than normal. It’s a blessing to have yet another sacred space to call my own, even if it’s just during my session.
Meals
Today my meals were:
- Breakfast: Paleo banana muffin, Gala apple
- Lunch: Sliced turkey sandwich on gluten-free bread
- Dinner: Wild Alaskan salmon croquettes, grits, spinach
- Snacks: None
Thanks
At least one thing that I’m grateful for today:
- Recognizing that I have two sacred spaces–one at home and one at my acupuncturist’s office
- My psychotherapist
- My Hubby
**(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.)
