It's that time of years again when the little lupus decides to become one giant problem! I woke up covered head to foot in a rash that I know all too well, my nerves feel like they are on fire and my joints are aching to a degree of immense annoyance.
Not only are flare ups inevitable but they are also so tricky to see coming. 9 times out of 10 I do get some small hints that I have learnt as warning signs; UTI's, sore throat and more fatigue than normal.
So for this post I thought I would let you all into my world right now....don't worry it's not all doom and gloom....
Mornings
Oh the joy of waking up in a flare situation. There is only one word for it ....ouch. Along with the undeniable searing pain there is the relentless itching. Oh my word this rash is so itchy I just want to bath in cold water.
Once I've woken up though I can tackle it. Starting with the rash as that is my first enemy. One of the best soothing remedies for me is a cool shower, not cold people aim for warm on the verge of cold. Never dry yourself roughly either it will only make things worse. I avoid perfumed soaps and anything that's just going to anger it.
Next I will eat and eat a lot! I will need the energy and if I pick the right foods it should calm my stomach.
Distract myself as much as possible! This goes for the pain, the itching and the stress that a flare causes to my everyday life! To do this I will work from home if I can, catch up on reading, watch weepy films in bed.....you get the point.
In the afternoon
I start to feel really bad around 2ish. This is when the aching becomes to great to bare and the stiffness it insufferable. I will move less and sit more....nothing wrong with that.
It is also the time that I will sleep if I can and not just a nap, maybe a good solid, couple of hours. This will at least make the pain stop for a bit and give me a boost of energy.
The evenings
Well during a flare up I will have zero social life. I will take on my hermit position and baracade myself into my home. I am too tired, too sore and too itchy to be around others....I am getting foggy too so the grumpiness is heightened.
This isn't a bad thing, it's what I have to do. It gives me the chance to settle for the night, rest my brain and take the time to be quiet. It's what I need to do.
Things that will happen with a flare
There are many things flare ups bring; the inability to do much at all, one or more hospital visits and your GP will probably be sick of the sight if you.
There may also be tests so be prepared for these. Blood work checking for inflammatory factors is likely, urine tests are likely and general health checks like your BP.
Prepare yourself mentally to. It's stressful don't get me wrong, you may have work to sort out, doctors that don't listen or let friends down by cancelling plans. It happens so don't beat yourself up about them. It's part of the disease you own and such it's part of what makes you strong!
