Tag: stress

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Lupus and Eye Health

Lupus is one of several types of autoimmune diseases that cause the body’s own immune system to mistakenly attack and damage healthy tissues. Despite the different types of autoimmune diseases that exist, many of the symptoms are shared such as joint pain, digestive issues, fatigue, swelling, and hair or skin problems.

Another symptom that is often associated with having an autoimmune disease is dry eyes. This occurs when the eyes fail to produce enough tears or lack the proper amount of lubrication. According to research, over 30% of people with lupus suffer from dry eyes. If you have dry eyes, you may feel as if something is in your eye along with pain, itching, burning, or watery eyes. There are some lupus patients that also get diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome which is another autoimmune disease that attacks the glands of the eyes as well as the saliva in the mouth.

If you are under the care of a Rheumatologist, he or she may require that you see an eye doctor every six months especially if you take certain medications that can impact the eyes such as Plaquenil and Methotrexate. With dry eyes, you may use over the counter products such as humidifiers or eye shields to help with symptoms.

For more severe issues, you may need artificial tears or your doctor may prescribe eye drops. There are numerous brands available, but there are two brands that should no longer be purchased due to recent recalls that have been linked to serious eye infections and vision loss. With the number of cases increasing, the CDC and the FDA are warning consumers to stop using and return the following products:

  • Artificial Tears distributed by Ezricare, LLC and DELSAM Pharma which was associated with severe eye infections in over 55 patients and one death. The infections were cause by a drug resistant bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • In addition, it is advised to stop using DELSAM Pharma’s Artificial Ointment.

It is so important to be aware of what we are putting in and on our bodies and to be our own advocate. If something doesn’t sit well with you, trust your intuition and speak up. After all, no one knows your body better than you do.

-Monaye

https://www.drugwatch.com/drugs/ezricare-artificial-tears/

https://www.drugwatch.com/legal/ezricare-artificial-tears-lawsuits/

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Navigating Triggers with a Chronic Illness

Living in this world is hard. Sometimes life can feel unfair depending on what you are dealing with. We have to deal with the stress that often comes from finances, raising children, work, health concerns, and other world issues. We have to take responsibility and be accountable for our actions which may not always feel good. It’s all a part of adulting, right?

Like me, you may have a chronic illness which brings its own list of stressors. Depending on the progression of your illness, you may be dealing with the unpredictability of the disease, increased medical expenses, the inability to work, and even depression.

In addition to all of that, we must learn to recognize and manage our emotional triggers. A trigger is any situation, person, or thing that stimulates a strong emotional response such as anger, fear, loneliness, or sadness.

The month of July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness month which is observed to bring attention to the mental health struggles that ethnic minorities face. This month is one of many triggers for me. As a young child, I lost my mother to suicide. Over the years, I have had to learn how certain things triggered me as well as the impact they had on my emotions and behavior. There were underlying issues of abandonment that stemmed from my loss which carried over into friendships and relationships with others.

Once I understood my triggers, embraced therapy, and did some self work, I was better equipped to handle those unexpected situations. Managing triggers while living with a chronic illness is vital because unaddressed triggers may result in the following:

  • Increase in flare ups
  • Lack of sleep
  • Anxiety
  • Isolation
  • Cognitive issues
  • Higher risk of heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure
  • Weight gain or loss

I encourage you to pay attention to what triggers you, how you react, and incorporate some healthy ways to address them.

Eat a well balanced diet, try guided meditation, stay active, avoid negative environments, let go of things that no longer support you, and lean on or find a support system.

Remember to be patient and kind with yourself.

-Monaye

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Keep Moving

Happy February! Several things are happening this month. It’s the month that many celebrate Black History month as well as love. (Let’s not forget about self-love) While these things are certainly important, I am also choosing to use this month to maintain my focus. I am calling it Focus in February.

2022 was a mix of beautifully crafted moments and extremely tough ones. Some doors opened while others closed. Navigating life’s unexpected curve balls can create extreme levels of stress in the body when you have a chronic illness. Sometimes it can feel as if you are stuck. The doctor visits and medical tests increase. The people you once turned to are no longer there. Friendships change. Connections die. The vision you had for your life shifts. You question your purpose.

There’s an old song entitled “Keep On Moving” by Soul II Soul. One of the verses says “Don’t stop like the hands of time.” With all that life can bring our way, it can be quite tempting to want to do just the opposite. However, the sun can still shine after the rain. Much like a flower, even if you lose a few leaves, the strength is in your roots. Strong roots keep us grounded. When strong winds (problems) come, we may sway, but we won’t be knocked over. Regardless of what is going on around you, maintain your focus my friends. Someone needs your gifts, talents, and abilities. Just. Keep. Moving.

Monaye

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Chronic Disease and Nutrition

Managing a chronic illness on a day-to-day basis is not easy. Depending on what you are dealing with, you probably visit a specialist and take medications that are aimed at providing relief of your pain and discomfort.

While medications can certainly help, our food choices and the things we drink contribute to how we feel. Research has shown that when heavily processed or sugary foods are consumed, this increases the level of inflammation in the body. For people with a chronic illness like Lupus, Sjogrens, RA, or MS, this can cause debilitating symptoms such as painful joints, migraines, digestive issues, and fatigue.

It is easier and less costly (physically and financially) in the long run to eat in a way that promotes good health, than to be forced to deal with the aftermath of unhealthy eating. Making choices which do not contribute to a healthy lifestyle can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, organ involvement, and the development of other illnesses. It is advisable to check with your doctor with regard to any dietary changes, but in general the focus should be on whole foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, good fats, sustainable protein, and foods high in fiber. All of these foods promote good gut health as well.

For me, I gradually cut out meat and dairy and have followed a plant based lifestyle for some time now. This along with exercise, stress management, and focusing on gratitude has helped tremendously. Do I still have flare-ups? Sure, but knowing what helps my body to recover is key. Try eliminating certain foods for a while and pay attention to how you feel once they are added back. It can be a process to discovering what works for you, so be patient. Just stay consistent and committed to your well-being.

-Monaye

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Mental Health Matters

2022 is upon us! Many people look forward to a new year with anticipation. We aim to leave the past behind and to move towards new goals that often include better health. I am sure that you have heard the term health is wealth. What comes to mind when you think of health? If you are anything like me, you may have only thought about the physical aspect. Everywhere we turn, we are reminded to exercise, eat well, and drink enough water on a daily basis. While those things are important, there is another area of our health that should be prioritized as well.

Mental health is a subject that many people shy away from. If you suffer from poor mental health due to stress, financial issues, or relationship problems, you are perceived as weak. So, what do most people do?

They suffer in silence.

They smile when they’re hurting.

They throw themselves into activities to numb the pain. (drinking, sex, exercise, or overeating etc.)

None of these things help us with the underlying issues. While both men and women can be affected by poor mental health, men are often affected more due to the societal pressures to be masculine and strong. If the issues go unaddressed for too long, it can lead to suppressed emotions, medical issues, feelings of despair, and lead to extreme measures to stop the pain. I have read too many stories where mental health was the culprit behind someone taking their life. Suicide is not the answer. We can all strive towards improving our mental health by:

  • Avoid self-criticism- value yourself
  • Take care of your body.
  • Talk to someone if you need to. Therapy does not equal weakness.
  • Practice mindfulness- meditate or practice yoga.
  • Change up your normal routine. Try new things.
  • Set realistic goals. Don’t over commit.
  • Surround yourself with positive people.

Remember, everything starts in the mind, and our mind needs to be healthy too.

Monaye

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Pressure Challenge

Life is full of ups and downs. Some days are better than others. On the tougher days, we may feel large amounts of pressure. Pressure to meet deadlines. Pressure to make difficult decisions. Pressure to just “get better.” Regardless of what pressures we face, what matters is how we choose to deal with them.

The decision is really up to us. We can cave to the pressure or we can welcome the pressure.

Yes, you read that right. Think back on difficult times in your life where you couldn’t see a way out. You made it right? It is often during those times (the process) that we experience growth.

Let’s look at two of the most beautiful gems in the world: diamonds and pearls. They both go through a process to become the beautiful pieces of jewelry that ladies love to wear.

In order for a diamond to be formed, it has to endure a tremendous amount of heat and pressure.

When an oyster shell is irritated or damaged, it produces a pearl. What would happen if we made an effort to face our issues like the diamond or the pearl producing oyster shell? We could share our testimony with others. Or encourage and help those going through similar struggles.

My challenge to you is to dig deep when you are up against pressure. You’ll never know what beautiful thing is waiting on the other side.

Monaye