The unseen coping strategies that are part of my lupus management

As months turn into years and years turn into decades of living with systemic lupus erythematosus, we begin to record what helps mitigate or temper symptoms before they turn into a full-blown flare. In fact, it often feels like we have an entire armamentarium of health strategies we rely on just to make it through each day. We tend to realize this early on in our disease management.

It takes a level of skill to be able to go into this arsenal and pull out the “right” tool, treatment, or technique to molly a symptom. (A skill we never knew we’d need.)

We not only need to treat lupus attacks; we must also use medications or treatments to try to prevent them. Other coping strategies may also be essential to temper the onset of flares. Answers for how to cope are in our own histories and in our many unseen responses to looming lupus activity.

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The way our body responds when we self-treat during flares shows us what all helps outside of doctor visits and hospitalizations. For example, cravings — for water, lemon juice, spices, or physical touch — are indications of what our body needs to heal in that moment. Obeying is medicinal and one of the unseen ways we manage lupus.

No, we are not simply pushing through flares; we are like ducks that seem to be floating on river currents effortlessly, but are actually paddling like crazy underneath. We are taking massive action to keep flares from consuming us. Sometimes this action looks like everyday activities when, in fact, these behaviors are helping us endure.

Unseen strategies may include:

• Massaging or gently rubbing our arms into a self-embrace
• Soaking in a bath with essential oils
• Doing seven minutes of tai chi several times a day to center our balance
• Meditating or falling asleep with intentional thoughts and desire for relief; imagining healing hands massaging the tender pain spots
• Closing our eyes to envision a gentle light covering the ache
• Belly breathing and humming to stimulate our vagus nerve
• Whispering “thank you” when relief comes, when we’re able to use our hands or feet again, or when we remember that lupus hasn’t killed us
• Choosing turmeric or ginger tea over a whiskey sour or Diet Coke to soothe our stomachs

Try this strategy while applying lotion or showering:

Slow down and let your hand feel your skin, its temperature, its texture, its bends and bumps. Rub the lotion or soap toward your heart and focus on what your hand feels, as if you are feeling someone else’s skin. Try to feel only the sensation of your hand.

Next, rub more lotion or soap and focus on your skin feeling your hand and the lotion as if it’s being rubbed by someone else’s hand. Try to feel only the sensation of this part of your skin.

Breathe in the scent of your lotion. Thank “yesterday you” (your past self) for getting the lotion.

Breathe out and feel the sensation of your body being moisturized, cleaned, and cared for. Thank “today you” for taking a moment to lotion and prepare you for the day.

The list of unseen ways to cope with lupus are endless, so I’m sure you can add more. Please share your strategies in the comments below and let’s celebrate when they work.

Note: Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lupus News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to lupus.