Internaonal Pain Foundaon—33
id antibody syndrome. He explained
how these diseases have
been affecting me for years and
the roles they played during my
pregnancy. Then, he put me on an
baby aspirin daily and Plaquenil. I
was not happy about the Plaquenil
and refused to take a medication
that may or may not work.
For years, I tried every holistic
treatment I could get my hands on.
I have never been on any medications
and just did my best to get
through my days for my family. I
suffered silently refusing to ever
let anyone know the pain I was
feeling. In August of 2017 it all
went to hell. My family decided to
move, both of my children were
moving on to new schools and my
husband was beginning a new job.
The stress of all these things began
to take a toll on me and I came
crashing down.
I began to research, “Diet and lupus.”
From this I found the keto
diet. I decided to put every minute
of my day into finding out everything
I could about this way of eating.
Every single thing I read mentioned
reducing inflammation and
more energy. In October of 2017 I
made the lifestyle change over to a
ketogenic/AIP diet. It is now 2
years later and my lupus is in remission.
I have no symptoms and bloodwork
shows no signs of inflammation.
My doctor cannot confirm or
deny that this way of life has anything
to do with my remission, but
told me not to change a thing. I
feel absolutely fabulous and I am
very healthy. My cholesterol and
blood pressure are perfect! I practice
yoga 5 times a week, and most
importantly, I function like a normal
person.
I think people need to start using
their voice. Whether you are a celebrity,
millionaire or a regular
person like me, it is time to get the
word out. There are so many ways
to advocate, but one of the simplest
is a few posts on Instagram
with the proper hashtags. I personally
have my own blog that I post
on at least 3 times a week, a Facebook
page, Instagram and Twitter.
I no longer sweat the small stuff.
Life is way too precious to waste
energy on anything that does not
bring me happiness. I live every
single day grateful for my body
and mind. Like the song says,
“Life is short, make it sweet.”
Don’t give up. Keep researching
and find the thing that works for
you. I have found the best medicine
is a positive state of mind.
The minute we fall into pity mode
is the minute the symptoms begin
to flare up again. Lupus loves
stress, don’t give it any! Lean on
your family, friends and any support
system you have. Keeping my
lupus to myself was a mistake. I
was adding more stress to my life,
and that was causing additional
flare-ups. When I finally opened
up and asked for help it was as if a
weight was taken off my entire
body. I needed my support system
and they were there.
This disease is terrible. I totally
get that. I suffered for so many
years, but didn’t give up. I researched
and fought until I found
what worked for me. I am aware
my lupus can come back at any
moment. Until then, I will live my
life to the fullest and I will keep
advocating for all my fellow Lupies
to find a cure for this terrible
disease.
Research everything you can get
your hands on. If you find something
ask your doctor. If there is
no harm in trying it, go for it! You
will never know what might work
for you if you, 1) don’t know
about it and/or 2) don’t try it.
Danielle is a Life Coach and Yoga
Instructor and blogs about her life
journey on ketolupie.com and Instagram
@ketolupie.
/ketolupie.com