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EVERYDAYLIVINGLUPUS

I promised myself that I was going to blog in regular intervals, but its def so hard. These past few weeks I have been feeling extra tired, sluggish and just feeling blah. Then there are other days where I have bursts of energy and feel like I can run a marathon. Lupus does wonders to the body. I also have been trying to taper off cellcept and eventually switch to imuran so I can be in the clear and start planning for a family. My rheumatologist said that probably plays a reason as to why I'm feeling like that. He said my body is just trying to adjust.

With Covid, everyday also just sorta feels the same. I think that's another reason why I have been feeling like this. I've been working from home ever since March 2020. 5 days a week 9-5pm and then on the weekends I rarely go out. I haven't seen any of my friends in real life. I haven't seen family members besides my parents and fiance who I live with it. Its just really daunting to think that its going be like this for awhile. I miss the outside world and actually living life. It's easy to say don't let the virus control you, but when you already have lupus and lung issues its not that easy. So, I will take every precaution that I can.  

But, I really do want to try and be consistent. I really need to motivate myself and look to the future. One of the reasons why I wanted to start a blog was to just tell my story and hope to help others. I remember when I first got diagnosed, I did a lot of reading. I joined multiple facebook groups, surprisingly was not into instagram back then. But, social media has def changed since 2017. 

So here's to more blog posts to the future!! If you want me to write about any specific topics please comment below or send me a message on instagram.

XOXO,

Geri 

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I can't believe it's already mid December and the holiday season is here. I've been meaning to post this awhile back, but I just couldn't find the energy. But, better late than never.  When deciding on gifts for those with chronic illness, it can be even trickier. I've compiled my top 10 picks that are perfect for the holiday or even any occasion. I've linked Amazon's best seller for each product for easy access but you can google and find these in so many places. 





1. Heated Throw Blanket

If you know anyone that gets super cold, this is the gift for them. A heated throw blanket is just the thing to keep them nice and warm. There are 3 settings so you can control how warm the blanket gets. If you are like me and tend to forget things, this thing also has an automatic 3 hr timer that will shut off. Plus this is machine washable and dryer safe and comes in a few colors.


2. Electric Bathroom Scrubber

I don't know anyone that likes cleaning the bathroom, but we all need to do it. With this tool, you have an extendable scrubber with three different brushes. Just apply your regular cleaner and start scrubbing away. This is extremely handy and cuts the job in half. No more having to bend down and use all your might. This tool does it all. 



3. Candles

I know when I want to destress or just have my home smelling good, I will light a candle. There is just something about the aroma that makes me so calm and serene. There are so many scents to choose from that you will have a hard time just picking out the right scent.

4. Tea Sampler Set

This gift is for the tea lovers out there. 48 different kinds of tea for them to sample. It's a perfect way for them to taste new flavors and see which one they really like before investing in a whole box. It can also be packaged in a decorative box to make it even more fancy.



5.Bath and Body Gift Set

We get tired really tired easily, our joints hurt and all we want to do is relax. A bath and body gift set is the perfect way to end the night. This bath set includes everything you need for an ultimate home spa experience. Includes bubble bath, shower gel, body lotion, bath salt and shaped sponge wrapped together in a reusable bath tub.



6. Gratitude Journal

I'm usually not the best at keeping up with these journals. I usually have so many blank pages in between or I stop midway and never end up finishing. But, every time I do look back on the posts that I did do, it always brings back so many memories and nostalgia. You can pick any journal or even a blank journal just to jot down random thoughts. 

7.Motivational Books

Sometimes is nice to hear other people's experiences and stories. It's something that is relatable and makes you feel not so alone. I like reading and sharing my stories because it really can make a difference in someone's life.



8. Streaming Subscription Services

Whether its netflix, amazon prime, disney plus, etc this is a great gift to give. There is endless amounts of tv shows and movies that can be watched. I love watching old movies and shows and reliving my child. Ahh, the simple days.  





9. Cash/Giftcards 

What do you get the person who has everything...cash or giftcards. This is the simplest solution. Let them choose what they want to get it. 




10. A Spoonful of Strength

I saw this and just had to add this onto the list. No explanation needed for all my SPOONIES out there.



I'm the type of person who shops way in advance and likes to get it out of the way. But, there are some people I know who wait super last minute. Which one are you?

XOXO,

Geri

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I was diagnosed with lupus in July 2017 when I was 27 years old.

In the beginning, my joints were hurting but I just thought it was part of getting old and I sort of shrugged it off. Maybe I slept on my side wrong. Maybe I just needed to stretch. I kept thinking of excuses and thought I'm just out of shape. But soon the joint pain got unbearable. I couldn' open doorknobs. I couldn't do my makeup. I couldn't even write my name. Walking down the stairs was a struggle. At one point I was going out for lunch and an elderly couple just bypassed me. That's how slow I had to walk.

I soon made an appt with my PCP. I described my pain and she ran some blood work. Everything came back normal and she told me to stretch and excersise more. If the pain got worse take some Tylenol. I was a little frustrated but didn't know what else to do and left. 

A few weeks later I wasn't able to lie down and sleep properly without feeling a super sharp pain in my chest. I no longer was able to walk a block without gasping for air. My legs and feet then became so swollen that my ankles dissappeared.

I went back to my pcp and demanded she run tests because this was not normal. Soon I was seeing a nephrologists, hematologist, rheumatologist and getting ultrasounds, MRIs CT scans, xrays. Because I was so adamant on getting more tests and finding out what was wrong, my PCP made sure I got to see these doctors and complete these tests ASAP. Without her help I would have waited weeks or months. 

After all that it was finally determined it was lupus. In the beginning I was sort of in denial and saw 2 more rheumatologists until reality finally began to sink in. Lupus has affected my heart, lungs and my kidneys. It has also affected my weight, my hair, skin and diet.

It has now been almost 3.5 years and the next chapter of my lupus journey is about to start. I am now 31 and engaged so starting a family is on my mind. But before that happens I need to get into remission.

Even though I was suffering with symptoms for months, I think my diagnosis was rather quick. I want to say after my second PCP visit it took about a month to get a diagnosis. I've heard so many horror stories of misdiagnosis and waiting years to finally find out. So, I def think I was one of the lucky ones. 

What were your symptoms? How long did it take before you got your diagnosis? 

I probably will a part 2 and go more in depth with the actual visits and tests that led up to my diagnosis. 

Have a good weekend everyone!

XOXO,
Geri

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Hi Everyone! 

I'm finally pushing myself to start a blog again. I use to have one with my cousins many years ago. But, we all sorta abandoned that once real life got in the way. So, I want to start fresh and clean with a whole brand new blog. The layout of this blog is still a work in progress. I'm still trying to figure it out. My HTML skills are a little rusty. But, I found this cute free layout and so far I'm really liking it. 

I'm not sure what I wanna post yet. But, most likely will feature my daily life living with lupus. I have watched a lot of stories on facebook, youtube, instagram, etc and was like OMG, I can totally relate to that. Social media has been able to connect so many people to share their stories and inspire so many. Instead of being that fly on the wall just reading or watching videos and sometimes commenting here and there, I also wanna be part of that community that shares her stories, tips and struggles. 

So cheers to a new blog and virtually meeting you online! 

<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/20739361/?claim=smu5hptvq3g">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>


XOXO,

Geri  

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About me


Geri. 31 years old. Born and raised in NYC. Lupus Warrior at 27. Makeup addict. Loves Broadway shows and playing Animal Crossing.

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Disclaimer

EverydayLivingLupus is a lifestyle blog about my daily life in NYC and my experiences with Lupus. I am not a doctor and cannot provide medical advice or diagnosis. Any current or future posts are meant to be informative and used as an outlet to help others within the lupus community. Please followup and talk to your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health and symptoms.

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