Has anyone had long-term relief from their symptoms by removing certain stress "triggers" from their lives?
I'd be very interested to hear, please. I have a very stressful situation I have to deal with constantly and which has caused my biggest flare yet recently.
x
Relieving yourself from stress certainly helps although it's not as easy to do as say! I'm having a particularly bad flare as well at the moment so know how you feel. Try staying away from stressful situations as much as is possible and hope you feel better soon x
The simple answer is YES YES YES!!!! I have totally removed all the stress triggers including the drama queens and kings who thrive on attention and drama, I have also found that it is not necessary to have the last word. Stressful situations literally caused me to collapse and kept me in bed for days and I thought ... WHY?? ..... I knew I had to change, I knew that it was vital to the quality of my life but I hadn't a clue where you start. I came across a book that someone had bought me .... a book that I had not even opened the cover of as it was something that did not interest me at all "Yoga for the mind" ... well I swept through the first couple of chapters scanning really. Then I came across an exercise that they suggested and it was to think of a person that you most admire, for how they handle situations and when presented with a situation, pretend you are them and deal with it as they would. Well I have a brother-in-law who is totally unflappable, and so I modelled myself on him. It took a while as your natural instinct is to be yourself ... but keep it uppermost in your mind and eventually you do change. I am now known as the Queen of Prozac because I am so laid back and my flares are nowhere near as bad as they were. I have become a good reader of character and knowing who to avoid is becoming second nature .... my rule ... if I can make myself happy anyone who is in my life should make me happier .....It does not happen overnight .... it takes time, but it is so worth it with regards to the quality of your life. Good luck with any changes that you can make and God Bless
Again YES.
A simple example was when my immune system was failing and I became allergic to all sorts. I noticed that unwelcome comments by a certain people cause me come up in hives.
Yes, yes from me too.
I had to stop worrying about our children (grown up) and anything else. Say no to demands. Stop feeling guilty. Take one day at a time and do not worry about tomorrow. Pace my activities. Take time to relax. Try not to be with people who are negative. Let what some people say wash over my head. Laugh at things as much as possible and be cheerful. Try not to get angry as it takes up so much energy and makes me tense.
All this really helps.
Thanks for the replies.
Natasha - really hope you feel better soon x
Nee Naw - great idea from your yoga mind book, I will definitely try that. It seems like a great idea. I might look it up on Amazon - I am a massive bookworm.
Thaddeus, I hope your immune system is much better now. I am interested in your hives reaction - my Mum gets exactly the same thing with stress and has not even been tested for any kind of autoimmune problems.
Jude - thanks for the advice. I agree that laughter is a great medicine. I often feel more relaxed after watching a good comedy.
Meditating etc is not really my bag but I guess we all find our own ways of relaxing and learning how to cope with or remove our own stresses. I read this old saying last night,
"God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference."
This had me pondering for ages last night. I'm far too analytical which is probably half the reason why I get so stressed!!
Many thanks again guys.
x
Hi ... stress is not a good ingredient for 'normal' people and from my personal experience it is worse for a body already confused about itself. Finding myself immersed in stressful situations, usually as the result of someone else's agenda, has caused me great turmoil.
I too have learned to take back my own power using several methods. I have also learned that if something/one is not working in your life let it go so there is room for something/one lovely to move in.
Firstly I now say No. Simple. My choice. If the other person doesn't like it it is really their problem, and sadly doesn't respect your choice. You know yourself best.
I love to laugh - it really is the best medicine and releases feel good chemicals into the body. Along with any form of exercise - even deep breathing.
Meditation comes in many forms and we can all find a way to settling our minds and spirits in the way that meditation brings. Sometimes it is just playing cards on the computer.
Other peoples judgements are just that - theirs. Not yours.
I have learned to be my best friend, and treat me like I would treat a friend.
The saying is brilliant.
Happy 2012.
Fruitloop x
Quote from the lupus uk factsheet "Guide for Patients" - lupusuk.org.uk/factsheets/g...
Non-Medication Measures
a. Rest, adequate sleep, modifying activity during
time of flare.
b. Minimising stress: Major lifestyle modification and
co-operation with and by family members,
spouse, and employer to achieve this adjustment
may be essential in keeping the disease under
control. Pain clinics, an interested psychologist
or psychiatrist may be helpful.
c. Avoidance of provoking factors - sun, excessive
heat, fatigue, certain medications and infections.
d. Patient awareness of early symptoms, which may
signal a flare and prompt reporting of these to
their physician allowing earlier treatment.
Reduction in Plaquinil 
Reduction in hydroxy = return of symptoms?
Lupus and Stress
Inflammation symptoms during period. 
