View allAll Photos Tagged autoimmunedisease
I had a pretty bad autoimmune flareup this week but the kitties did their best to help me feel better.
Some thoughts on pain for those who might need this today:
You are not your pain, in the same way that you are not your illness. It is something you have, separate from who you are. It is not your identity.
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is a choice. Life is filled with times when we feel pain, either physical or emotional. Suffering comes from what we tell ourselves about that pain and how much control we allow it to have. When we give into the anxiety, when we hyperfocus on it, when we tell ourselves that it’s unbearable, we feed the monster. We can refuse to let it have control over our emotions. We can cry and move through things. We can live with our pain and still lead happy, fulfilled, productive lives.
Pain is a messenger. It shows up to tell us to pay attention to something. It has much to teach us about our bodies, our boundaries, and our needs. It’s not the enemy. It is a symptom of something else. Listen to your pain. Ask it what you need to know. Sometimes it is a message to slow down. Sometimes it’s a message to move, to stretch, to change positions. Sometimes it’s a message that you need to eliminate something from your life. Sometimes it’s a message to express hidden truths, to have a good cry, to accept and forgive. Sometimes it’s a message to go outside, take a slow walk, and experience the wonder in the natural world. Sometimes it just wants you to make a nice cup of tea, listen to some soothing music, and take a warm bath.
Pain is a teacher. It tells us how far we can go. It teaches us how strong we are. It teaches us that we have choices in how we perceive and interpret things. It teaches us that it is but one part of our story. It teaches us about cycles and rhythms in life. It teaches us to pay attention to nuances, that everything in life exists in varying shades of grey. It teaches us about transcendence.
Pain isn’t to be feared or avoided. It exists for a reason. I’m grateful for my pain and all that it has taught me. The hardest things we go through become our best teachers.
We decided to take the plunge and get electric bikes. They’re the Giant Explore model and we love them! They’re class 3, meaning they assist up to 28 mph and only when we pedal. I was pretty hesitant to get them at first but am very glad we did. The chronic illness I have means I get sick if I exert myself too much, which I’ve been doing on our bike rides this year. Having an electric bike will allow me to enjoy biking while still getting exercise (and not worrying about how I’ll feel for a week after the ride).
As for Mike, he uses his bike for work pretty often and this will make his commute much nicer!
“Here's the thing about wildflowers, they take root wherever they are, grow strong through the wind, rain, pain, sunshine, blue skies and starless nights. They dance, even when it seems there is nothing worth dancing for. They bloom with or without you.” -Alisha Christensen
While I’ve always been a wildflower, I am not a delicate flower, which makes having a chronic illness that much more frustrating. So many times I feel like I should be able to do certain things, but my body tells me otherwise. Still, maybe this is my body’s way of telling me it’s time to slow down and enjoy life at a different speed. It also means I take better care of myself than I probably would otherwise.
I won’t let my illness define me, despite its efforts to take over my days at times, but I have to recognize and respect the limitations it puts on me. I’ll remain a wildflower, though. Nothing could change that!
Notebooks from Cavallini & Co., bandana from United by Blue.
Explored November 11th, 2001. #34!!! Highest position yet:O
Thanks!!!
Heres my post to Flickr 11|11|11 group.
I had to be apart of this. I'm honored that i get to live through this. Not gonna be another one of these anytime soon;D haha.
Anyways. I'm just laying here enjoying music as i edit some senior photos. Its been a really busy day. I went up to Hershey Medical Center today to see my doctor.
I have a auto-immune disease. And no one really understands. I don't know anyone else with a condition similar to me. I live in a small town where everyones basically healthy, and no one really knows what to think of me. I'm.. well... a sickly person.
But today my doctor told me about a Christmas party for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis from the Rheumatoid Arthrisis Foundation (I'm guessing).
Anyways, its for people with all ages who not only have RA but who have auto-immune diseases get together. It'd be so nice to have people who experience similar problems to talk to. I need that so badly. Thankfully I do not have RA, but my doctor said it would be great for me to go. So hopefully I can get my ass up to state college for that party. I'm in need of a little fun. ahahaha. xD
Anyways, like i said HAPPY 11/11/11 guys!!
2024 was a rough year for us. However, I really can’t complain too much because some really good things happened, as well.
The best part of the year was adopting Torvi. She’s been such a radiant beam of sunshine in our lives and fits in perfectly with our weird little family. We love her so much!
While we weren’t able to have as many adventures as we would have liked with our camper van, just bringing it home was definitely a highlight of our year. Plus, we were still able to have some adventures with it, all of which were awesome.
On a similar note, all of the time Mike and I spent together (and with the kitties) is always a good thing, whether it’s hiking, biking, or just hanging out and playing a card game.
Another great highlight of the year was that I switched jobs! After 17 years in the same one, I was beyond burnt out and ready for a change. My new job is exactly what I was looking for and I’m extremely grateful for it.
The last good thing about this year was that after 7 months of terrible digestive issues, I finally received a diagnosis and am now recovering from a surgery to fix things. Having a chronic illness means dealing with a melodramatic body and despite taking care of myself, issues sometimes pop up as a complication of my illness. It’s a huge relief to be moving on from this!
Here’s to health and happiness for everyone in the coming year!
About 5 months ago I received a diagnosis that finally explained my symptoms. In a way it was a relief to hear the doctor's words, but more so it was a heavy realization that none of this would go away.
I was diagnosed with Hoshimoto's disease, a genetic autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid. The thyroid gland, which is part the endocrine system, produces hormones that coordinate many of the body's activities.
Its unfortunate to accept that extreme exhaustion, anxiety, depression, immune attacks, nausea, and sickness are what both my present and future look like. My symptoms will maintain or get worse. Some days feel normal and easy but most take more effort than they used to.
Despite this, I do not want to look at my life through the lens of limitation. I may be cold and sleepy all the time, I may not be able to "handle" as much as other people, but I will still live this life that God gave me no matter my circumstance.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Benni got dropped off at 8:30 this morning with Lauren, business owner, coming out to get her with gloves and mask. Benni is a smart dog so didn't have a problem with Lauren's new look.
But, my heart broke when Lauren told me she has Lupus and just got diagnosed with another auto-immune disease so has to work alone to save her new business, which she bought last July.
She previously had reached the point of hiring 2 more groomers and a dog washer. Today she'll do just Benni and all by herself. When I asked for a picture she said, "sure" and then, "I'm smiling!"
THE LADIES OF @sigmaupsilonnu & @nuupsilontau09 is bringing out the grills and street vendors for #lupusawarenessmonth💜 on our 9th Annual #GreekBlockParty
Make sure you join us at the Lupus Awareness Fair on 5/6 for the amazing event and don’t forget to #RepyourGreek! ❤️
Visit this location at Blue Orchid District ~Home of Sigma Upsilon Nu Sorority in Second Life
Home sweet home for Harvey the border collie.
But what a rotten year he is having. You can see a shaved patch and stitches on his side from his recent biopsy. He's looking more than a little worse for wear due to illness. But he'll still take your leg off if he's in the mood to!
:>)
“I’m restless. Things are calling me away. My hair is being pulled by the stars again.” -Anaïs Nin
For the past year, I’ve dealt with a very demanding job while being a caregiver for my elderly parents. Our adventures, as a result, have been limited. To help with the stress, I asked for a demotion at work. While my boss didn’t want to lose me in my current position, I was very lucky that she was 100% supportive of me and helped me get the position I was asking for. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and now that I’ve been doing it for a while, I would never go back to my old job.
Just this one change has freed up a lot of time for me, allowing for us to start taking more adventures again. Lately, I find myself itching to take a longer adventure, something we haven’t been able to do for quite a while and, to be honest, I just haven’t had the energy for until recently. Stress + an autoimmune illness leaves me being more of a homebody, but I’m ready to take a long road trip again. I’m definitely restless for one!
Notebook from Top Flight, bandana from Bioworld.
“I want to be alone…with someone else who wants to be alone.” -Dimitri Zaik
After being without a van for almost 2 years, we’re very happy to have one again!
It’s much easier to keep hydrated & keep up on my health routine traveling this way. That means I feel much better overall & don’t risk flare-ups with my chronic illness as much.
We also don’t have exposure to cleaners & other chemicals lodgings use, which we both react to. Breathing easier is a huge bonus!
A van also lets us stop to rest when needed, regardless of where we are & the weather.
One of the biggest perks, though, is that we can stay in nature & solitude more. Decent lodgings are often in cities or have a lot of other people around. This is much more our cup of tea!
While I consider myself outdoorsy and would love to go backpacking, sleeping in tents under the stars, that’s just not in the cards for my outdoor time.
I have a chronic illness, and roughing it can unfortunately cause flare ups for me. As hard as it was, I’ve learned to respect my limits and having a van will help me to travel comfortably while giving me peace of mind.
If I do have a flare up while traveling, I now have a comfortable place to rest no matter where we are along with a bathroom for those times I become ill. I’ve learned to manage my illness quite well and those incidences have become fewer, but no matter how well you travel, it’s always a bit stressful and stress is one of my biggest triggers.
I’m extremely grateful (and, I recognize, privileged), to have this van. While it’s just a thing, it’s something that gives me freedom to satisfy my wanderlust, have new adventures, and create memories with Mike.
Unrelated note- our old van had an outdoor shower, but it was stored inside the back door & was a pain to get out. We never used it because of that. This van has it on the driver’s side (the panel next to the door) and it’ll come in handy when we need to clean off dirty things. It’s much better quality and a breeze to get out. Quite nice!
In the galley, there is a large sink, microwave, and induction stovetop. We especially love that it has the stovetop because this will give us more options for eating healthy and we can now cook no no matter the weather (we only had an outdoor cookbook with the old van). There is also a fridge that’s a bit larger than our old van as well as a water heater, which is something we didn’t have in our old van. Having hot water will be very welcome! Besides being able to take showers, it’ll make washing dishes easier and help us keep clean overall.
The door to the right is the wet bath. Not having a bathroom in our old van usually wasn’t a problem, but there were a few times when we really could have used it. It’ll help during emergencies and will also allow us to boondock longer while staying cleaner. Body wipes can only cut it for so long! We have a larger water tank than we did before, too, which is a welcome upgrade.
This van also has a heater and air conditioner, two more things our old van didn’t have. Due to my chronic illness, my body doesn’t regulate extreme cold or heat well. Having temperature control will help tremendously and give us more options for where we visit since we won’t be as dependent on the weather. In the past, we’ve had to cut a few vacations short and head home because of it being too hot for me to tolerate while having no way to cool off.
The couch in the back has ottomans and reclines, so we can get very comfy. It also turns into a comfortable queen bed. We both need this and as we get older, that need will only increase, especially after driving a lot or being active. Good sleep and rest can make a huge difference in how anyone feels.
A huge upgrade with this van is the power system. We now have propane, the batteries are larger, the roof has solar panels, and there is a built-in generator. We can be off grid for a long time before running out of power! Update- we have found that the solar makes a really nice difference in how long the power lasts!
We’re also loving having more headroom and a hard top. While we enjoyed having the pop top of our old van, we much prefer this. Mike doesn’t have to duck down, the hard top makes things quieter (having the pop top up was basically like sleeping in a tent), it’s something that’s not dependent on the weather, and we don’t have to worry about it breaking. Another bonus of the hard top is that the awning will cover the entire side of the van when it’s really hot (the sun came in with the pop top up and roasted us at times).
We’re thrilled to have this van to adventure with!
SIGMA UPSILON NU INC, PRESENTS A ROARING 20S EVENING OF FUN & DANCING. A BENEFIT FOR OUR LUPUS CHARITIES. GET YOUR BEST FLAPPER DRESSES & ZOOT SUITS READY TO SHUFFLE & CHARLESTON!
DJ JEWELL WILL BE BRINGING ALL THE HOTTEST TUNES IN ELECTRO & R & B SWING!
JOIN US HERE maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/107/115/3499
AUGUST 12TH, 2022
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM SLT
#lupuscampaign #nottodaylupus💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #sigmalife❤️
Invite friends & family to join our team and fundraise for LUPUS! Walk and Participate. Join us as we unite as one lupus community to end lupus.
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
THE LADIES OF SIGMA UPSILON NU IS GEARING UP FOR #lupusawarenessmonth💜 & IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO GET READY FOR YOUR PHOTO OPT!
#PHOTOCAMPAIGN
Make sure you join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE See less
We are passionate about bringing a relaxed approach while creating beautiful, natural and vibrant images.
POP - WORLD'S LUPUS DAY
THE LADIES OF SIGMA UPSILON NU #TAKESTHEPLEDGE DURING THE MONTH OF MAY!
#putonpurple💜
Join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st & Don't forget to take a photo wearing purple! Tag us with the #POP4LUPUS
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
Come to this year’s #lupusawarenessfair for Carnival & experience how we celebrate during Lupus Awareness Month! DJ Arlene & iDj G-Rock will be bringing the sounds!
Join us as we unite as one lupus community to end lupus.
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
Please can you favourite this and help spread awareness of this incurable disease. Hopefully one day their will be a cure.
"Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him.""
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
..............
I know that this is a Valentine's card. And, when a man loves a woman, he gives his heart, his mind, and his sole to the woman he marries.
I found out near Valentine's Day that vivsirena's husband has been diagnosed with Grave's Disease.
I thought that a heart symbolizes love... something vivsirena (aka) Vivian and Bobby have for each other and need more of at this time with our prayers.
Vivian is a member of my flickr family and a dear friend.
A little bit about Bobby Mirabal... He is (now) retired from the Army after serving 27 years in the active service at many locations across the US. This included time spent in Iraq. Bobby is a husband, a Dad, and Grandpa (Papa).
God listens and will help him. Please take a moment and include Bobby in your prayers.
To: Vivian and Bobby...
Love ya, heaps of hugs and prayers,
Chris and Yoji
PS if you get a moment... stop by vivsirena and leave some love, too!
created using mimitalks frame
Come to this year’s #lupusawarenessfair for Carnival & experience how we celebrate during Lupus Awareness Month! DJ Arlene & iDj G-Rock will be bringing the sounds!
Join us as we unite as one lupus community to end lupus.
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
Shot during sunrise, these cherries have some frost on them as I just removed them from the fridge to shoo them.
Recent studies confirm that tart cherries reduce inflammation and pain and offer protection against neurodegenerative diseases.
The benefits of tart cherries are found in fresh, frozen, canned or juice forms of cherries. High levels of anthocyanins are found in both tart and sweet cherries. In one study, women who ate two servings of Bing cherries daily experienced decreased markers of inflammation and reduced serum urate levels. However, tart cherries offer far more benefits than sweet cherries. Tart cherries are very rich sources of anthocyanins whereas sweet cherries have lower amounts.
Tart cherries include the Montmorency and Balaton varieties and are produced primarily in Michigan. In general, the darker the cherry color, the higher the anthocyanin content. The Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry dietary supplement is another rich source of tart cherry, containing 1200 mg/serving.
Read more: autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_benefits_o...
Keegan is the strongest kid i know. Batteling an auto immune disease (EE), food allergies, and ezcema everyday.
Come to this year’s #lupusawarenessfair for Carnival & experience how we celebrate during Lupus Awareness Month! DJ Arlene & iDj G-Rock will be bringing the sounds!
Join us as we unite as one lupus community to end lupus.
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
This year is something new at the Fair! Artist from all over are coming together for lupus! Come view their work and purchase something special! Proceeds benefit Lupus of America and Lupus UK!
Join us as we unite as one lupus community to end lupus.
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
Sigma Upsilon Nu follows our annual tradition with our #LupusPhotoCampaign. Join us in making a difference and support this year’s efforts “AnyOneAnyOrgan - Lupus Does Not Discriminate” photo campaign during Lupus Awareness Month.
Make sure you join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
We are partying for a cause! And we invite you all to attend our annual #lupusmasqeradeball hosted by the Ladies of Sigma. #djbsmooth & #djgunz will bring the event in high gear.
Join us as we unite as one lupus community to end lupus.
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #sigmalife❤️
Sigma Upsilon Nu follows our annual tradition with our #LupusPhotoCampaign. Join us in making a difference and support this year’s efforts “AnyOneAnyOrgan - Lupus Does Not Discriminate” photo campaign during Lupus Awareness Month.
Make sure you join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
Sigma Upsilon Nu follows our annual tradition with our #LupusPhotoCampaign. Join us in making a difference and support this year’s efforts “AnyOneAnyOrgan - Lupus Does Not Discriminate” photo campaign during Lupus Awareness Month.
Make sure you join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
THE LADIES OF SIGMA UPSILON NU #TAKESTHEPLEDGE DURING THE MONTH OF MAY!
#putonpurple💜
Join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st & Don't forget to take a photo wearing purple! Tag us with the #POP4LUPUS
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
Visit this location at Blue Orchid District ~Home of Sigma Upsilon Nu Sorority in Second Life
THE LADIES OF @sigmaupsilonnu & @nuupsilontau09 is bringing out the grills and street vendors for #lupusawarenessmonth💜 on our 9th Annual #GreekBlockParty
Make sure you join us at the Lupus Awareness Fair on 5/6 for the amazing event and don’t forget to #RepyourGreek! ❤️
Visit this location at Blue Orchid District ~Home of Sigma Upsilon Nu Sorority in Second Life
Invite friends & family to join our team and fundraise for LUPUS! Walk and Participate. Join us as we unite as one lupus community to end lupus.
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
This year is something new at the Fair! Artist from all over are coming together for lupus! Come view their work and purchase something special! Proceeds benefit Lupus of America and Lupus of the UK!
Join us as we unite as one lupus community to end lupus.
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #sigmalife💙💜
THE LADIES OF SIGMA UPSILON NU IS GEARING UP FOR #lupusawarenessmonth💜 & IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO GET READY FOR YOUR PHOTO OPT!
#PHOTOCAMPAIGN
Make sure you join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
Sigma Upsilon Nu follows our annual tradition with our #LupusPhotoCampaign. Join us in making a difference and support this year’s efforts “AnyOneAnyOrgan - Lupus Does Not Discriminate” photo campaign during Lupus Awareness Month.
Make sure you join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
THE LADIES OF SIGMA UPSILON NU #TAKESTHEPLEDGE DURING THE MONTH OF MAY!
#putonpurple💜
Join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st & Don't forget to take a photo wearing purple! Tag us with the #POP4LUPUS
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
been sick for a month now. saw this pic and it made me smile....so far this month i went from160 pnds to 118.
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell in humans. Certain types of these cells, known as low-density granulocytes (LDG), are suspected to have a role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. There is evidence that they contribute to organ-damaging inflammation and can form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which may promote autoantibody production. In this image, NET formation in LDGs has been detected by a laser confocal microscope. Understanding how these cells act may give clues to new targets for treatment of diseases like SLE.
Photographer: Luz Blanco, Ph.D., NIAMS Systemic Autoimmunity Branch (Mariana J. Kaplan, M.D., Chief)
Sigma Upsilon Nu follows our annual tradition with our #LupusPhotoCampaign. Join us in making a difference and support this year’s efforts “AnyOneAnyOrgan - Lupus Does Not Discriminate” photo campaign during Lupus Awareness Month.
Make sure you join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tobago/44/54/25
#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
This is the reality of my life. Rheumatoid Arthritis. I've been diagnosed with it for about 5 years now. It was the second autoimmune disease that was discovered (the first being Hasimoto's Disease of the thyroid). They don't really know what triggers RA, all they've told me is that it's there in your DNA and something kickstarts it, like a bad cold. I do remember getting a really bad flu while I was living in the UK about a year before I noticed everything start, so maybe that was it. All I know is that my body hates me. My immune system doesn't function the way it should, it attacks my body because it can't distinguish between what's "me" and what's foreign - as far as my blood cells are concerned they're fighting the good fight, preventing my body from getting sick, but boy do they have it wrong!
At first I was half convinced they'd diagnosed me wrong, I barely had any symptoms, and then when things became apparent it was well managed by medications as it'd been caught early on.
But it seems my body too readily adjusts with medications. What was once effective suddenly doesn't cut the mustard anymore. When I left for my lengthy holiday in Canada I was feeling the best I had in years, but during the duration of my stay everything reversed itself. I wasn't getting the specialist treatment I needed and things got out of control. And it was certainly a shock to the system I can tell you. There were days that it was agony to get out of bed and put my feet on the floor. I just couldn't stand up. Getting up from a seat would take me numerous attempts and lots of psyching myself up, dependent on armrests to pull myself up. I was having trouble with everyday activities. Getting dressed and brushing my hair was sometimes a chore. I'd have to take stairs one at a time. Forget about going faster than a snail's pace when walking. Opening a jar? Forget it!
All those little things that people take for granted. And I hated having to ask people to help me. I tried to hide it from people as much as I could, didn't want them to know the extent of how bad things were. I hated feeling like a cripple and being dependent on someone else. I hated not being able to join in fun things that other people would organise. Even now I'm amazed at the support and patience of my ex-boyfriend as he helped me through this time when I was away from home and not sure how to cope with it all, even though I tried to hide it as much as possible from him too because I didn't want him to get frustrated with me.
It took me over a year of specialist 'attention' to get to the stage where I could even think about starting to work again once I arrived back home in Australia. I say attention loosely as I'd only ever see the specialist once every 3 months or so as she monitored my progress with different medications - hmmm, that one isn't doing what we'd like it to, so let's gradually take you off that and start you on this and see how we go.... that one doesn't work? Making you feel sick with all the side effects? Ok, we'll put you on this one, but before you can start that you'll need to go on a trial of this drug and see if you meet the requirements necessary to start this particular treatment.
But finally we've found something that's doing the best of them so far. Things still aren't 100%, and there's all the inevitable side effects to deal with, but it's a very far cry from where I started! I can now bend my knees and have a full grip (before i could only half close my fist because the swelling on my joints was so very bad), i can move without pain and the swelling has gone down. My energy levels might still wax and wane, but I can actually go out and do things and not get too tired and sore and don't need to spend the next day suffering from my 'excess'.
But it's a bit of a love/hate relationship with the medication that allows me this new freedom. I expect that diabetics are in much the same boat. Injections. And I HATE NEEDLES!!!! It's only once a fortnight, but I face the day of the injection with much dread. My father was talking to a friend that's a diabetic and he said that as it's a daily ritual for him he's completely used to it and can do it in a flash, but he felt that if he was in my situation when there is as long a break inbetween doses he'd be as traumatised as I feel. It's self-administered, but ever since the first time I did it and almost blacked out I always make sure that someone's there with me when I do it. In the end that person (my father) has become the person to push the needle because he was getting too frustrated with me psyching myself up to do it! The button to press to inject the med is quite stiff, and each time I'd pace my breathing and press down on it I'd find out that I didn't actually manage to do it and would have to start the whole process again. Call me a coward, but as I said I HATE needles, and the anticipation of the pain is just as bad as the pain itself!
But this is pretty much the story of my life from here on in. RA is for life. It's just a matter of managing it and not allowing it to progress and cause disfigurement. So far I've been lucky on that score, although my joints have little 'nibbles' in them that will never heal. I've heard various reports in the papers about Australian and UK research that says they've found a cure, but I'll believe that when I see it! I personally would be surprised if the pharmaceutical companies would allow such a thing to go on sale when they can make so much money on drugs to manage the disease. And trust me, there's a LOT of money in managing this condition! You'd be shocked how much just a single injection costs!
But still I'll live in hope that one day I won't need to do these hated injections ever again!
THE LADIES OF SIGMA UPSILON NU #TAKESTHEPLEDGE DURING THE MONTH OF MAY!
#putonpurple💜
Join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st & Don't forget to take a photo wearing purple! Tag us with the #POP4LUPUS
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Visit this location at Blue Orchid District ~Home of Sigma Upsilon Nu Sorority in Second Life
Sigma Upsilon Nu follows our annual tradition with our #LupusPhotoCampaign. Join us in making a difference and support this year’s efforts “AnyOneAnyOrgan - Lupus Does Not Discriminate” photo campaign during Lupus Awareness Month.
Make sure you join us for the Lupus Awareness Fair May 1st - May 31st
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#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #SIGMALIFE
This year is something new at the Fair! Go on a ride with us in our Hot Air Balloon! Tour the sims, relax and enjoy!
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#lupuscampaign #photocampaign #nottodaylupus #lupusawarenessmonth💜 #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #autoimmunedisease #lupusfighter #lupussucks #lupusflare #lupuslife #lupusawarenessmonth #lupusproblems #sigma4life #SigmaUpsilonNU #webleedBLUE #sigmalife💙💜
Disease-causing antibody (red) levels are lessened by treatment with engineered T cells (left hand panel) compared to controls (right hand panel) in mucous membrane samples taken from mice with a form of pemphigus vulgaris, a rare autoimmune skin disease. These findings may offer a new strategy for treating pemphigus and possibly other autoimmune conditions.
Photographers: Aimee S. Payne, M.D., Ph.D., and Michael C. Milone, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.