Song of the Day: Under The Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers
When Hurricane Sandy hit New York last month, I was stuck at home for more than a week. I don't think I can do the severity of the storm justice with my writing, so I'll just say that the stress of having to deal with the aftermath led to a particularly bad flare that still hasn't disappeared completely.
For me, flares tend to include endless migraines, chills (read: frozen hands and feet), backache, alternating pain and numbness in my arms and legs, insomnia, depression, cramps, indigestion, ringing in the ears, restless legs, and crippling fatigue. I still can't understand how this condition works; it makes you crawl out of bed because you're dead tired and sore all over but unable to sleep. Like a hurricane, a flare can hit you suddenly and cripple you if you aren't prepared for it.
While I'm still learning how to cope with and overcome flares, I can say that I have gotten better at handling them now. I take nice long baths, watch something funny or listen to relaxing music, order in food, and curl up in bed. I don't push myself to go to work or do housework because I have done it in the past and know better than to push myself now. If I can't sleep, my lovely husband holds my hand and we just talk all night.
And in this way, I take control of my condition. And now, I think I'll pause here to change the soundtrack.
New Song of the Day: Lazy Song by Bruno Mars
There, that's better. This post was turning out to be darker than I had intended it to be. My point is that having chronic conditions suck - and that's putting it politely. But you have to keep trying to get better. It's crucial that you stay well-informed on your condition(s) so that you can avoid triggers and stay healthy. The Internet is filled with useful resources and information about support groups, doctors, and patient advocates. Most importantly, remember to smile. Laughter does wonders for your mental and physical health.
