As so many people can attest too, living with an Autoimmune Disease can be extremely difficult. Those around us aren’t always able to see it which causes them to question if it is really real or just ‘in your head’. In my case my Autoimmune Disease is called ‘Autoimmune Urticaria and Angioedema’. Urticaria is hives. Angio-Edema is simply facial swelling. Often I am covered in itchy, ITCHY hives from head to toe and sometimes my face will be swollen huge with my eyes swollen shut and my lips swollen bigger than my nose. It looks horrible and it feels horrible!
This most recent ‘Active’ stage of Autoimmune Urticaria (AU) has lasted 2 years now. And frankly, I am getting a little fed up with it. I dont know how many times I have cried about it and wanted it to just be gone. Not only does the disease get me down but so does the medication. I mean, really, cant they come up with some medication that causes weight LOSS not weight GAIN?? And what about creating medication that fills your body with energy rather than sucking it dry from any thoughts of physical activity…like getting out of bed! Oh yes, I have definitely shed a few tears over this disease and felt sorry for myself.
There came a moment in my life though….call it an Aha! moment if you want…when I realized that I have to live with this so I had better just open my eyes in the morning, get myself dressed and get on with the day. Yes, some days look different then others as it is dependent on the disease. But my outlook and love for life doesnt have to change.
I keep thinking about the people that have it so much more difficult then I do. OH yes, I know it is relative but there is always someone who has a deeper hurt, a harder life, a more serious or complicated illness. And I think of how many blessings I have in my life and how much I have to be thankful for! It hasnt made the illness go away but it has freed me from the pull of despair and self pity and it has given me a new zeal for life.
What do you have to be thankful for? What are the blessings in your life? Just take a moment to think about it…maybe you need longer than a moment. I love it when the flowers start poking their heads through the soil, just to hear the birds singing, the feel of fresh, crisp air, even the sound of a baby crying makes me smile (since mine are grown I can do that now…except as teenagers they tend to make me cry…LOL). I am also thankful that after two years of my Autoimmune Disease being active it looks like it is finally heading in to remission!
Oh and one other thing…Laughter….one of the most healing medicine around…don’t forget to laugh.
