How do you stay positive when you are in a flare?
After months and months of doing "the right things" (e.g. seeing new doctors, eating AIP, sleeping, stress management, exercise, medication - you name it) and being relatively stable, over the last week I've watched all of my usual "hot spots", and some new ones, flare up.
I'm frustrated, tired, in pain and feeling pretty defeated today. I'd like to climb into bed with a tub of ice cream and cry all day.
How do all of you handle the emotional toll that a flare brings?
, I feel this post on a molecular level. This disease can be so, so hard not only on our bodies, but also our mental health. One of the things I can say that has helped me is allowing myself to cry and feel those emotions. I struggle with showing my emotions, but when it comes to HS it is necessary not to gaslight yourself. Also, if you want to spend all day in bed with some ice cream, I say go for it! Do what you need to do for your mental health. Chronic pain is a terrible thing, and we need rest when we experience it.
When you feel down, use your support systems. A therapist has greatly helped me process my emotions around chronic pain. If this is something you have access to, I highly recommend it. I also have great friends who let me vent, even if they can't fully understand what it's like.
Lastly, it is okay to feel frustrated and defeated, but when you feel down we will be here to support you. I hope today is a better day. -Isela Devora (Team Member)Thanks Chelsea - great advice. It's nice to know that everyone seems to be flaring right now too. Hanging in there. 😀
I didn't even check to see if it was a full moon! I don't know why we are all flaring, but it's happening. Do hang in! 😀
Hi JenS! This is a tough one. It seems like everyone is going through a flare right now, like the stars aligned and shook hands and said, right, let's go, it's time! The most important thing I always have to remind myself of is that it isn't my failing. The human body is designed to fail. Even when we were young and some of us had boundless energy and were fighting nap time, our bodies had cells that weren't replicating DNA correctly. The odds are stacked against us. So when we add chronic diseases in the mix - and then we manage to quiet those symptoms to a whisper - it's a minor miracle that we can get through a day at all without curling into a ball. So I'm telling you that you are doing everything right. Sometimes the disease(s) are going to take over. And conversely, sometimes YOU are going to win. On the days it's not your day, it's okay to be nice to yourself. Do and say and smell the things that are nice to you. I also offer to help other people because it takes my mind off of what is going on, so right now I'm writing a letter of recommendation and I'm sorting through an estate with a friend. Sending you some hugs! ~Chelsea (Team Member)
