Exercise, Autoimmune or Chronic Diseases, Pain.

Exercise. Even the word makes me cringe. It brings back memories of ill-fitting gym suits, smelly locker rooms, and usually being the last one picked for any team sport (except volleyball). I was definitely not a jock. So I hate it when doctors tell you to exercise.

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I wonder if doctors understand what they are asking the First if you have an autoimmune or chronic disease, you often don't have energy to spare. Second these diseases usually are very painful. I am a good example of this. If I am just speaking about some of the diseases I have going on like Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Osteoarthritis, and Chronic Migraine, I lack energy and am in pain. Exercise may help in the long run but it is going to be painful in the process. At times, it is so painful I can't get out of a chair. So what is a girl suppose to do?

It starts by recognizing the importance of exercise in everyone's life. Boy, do I hate to admit this. Next, I know that I can't safely exercise on my own without the risk of injury. I also know that because of my various health conditions, it is necessary to get clearance from my general internal medicine physician prior to starting any fitness type of program.

I see my doctor on Tuesday and will make certain I am healthy enough to begin a fitness program (oh, that sounds so much better than the dreaded word exercise). Then I will ask him if he thinks I need to be supervised by a physical therapist or if I can go to a regular gym. If I need a physical therapist, I'll let him help me with my routine. Otherwise, I go to a gym and start off with a trainer so I don't injury myself and make matters worse.

The goal in the fitness program isn't to look buff or look like a fashion model. The goal is to get healthier and ultimately decrease pain. If this can happen...It will be a good thing.



The fabulous cartoon is from the following website:
**https://mrkhealth.pbworks.com/w/page/23701431/How%20can%20IA%20students%20get%20more%20of%20and%20maximize%20the%20benefits%20of%20exercise

Dry Eyes, Restasis, and maybe Autoimmune Disorders?

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I'm sure you've seen the commercial on TV, the one about Restasis. I get angry every time I see that commercial. They act as if taking Restasis eye drops is no big deal. Truth be told, actually having to take a prescription eye drop is a  big of deal. When I first got contacts as a teen, I was told I'd always have to put drops in my eyes when I wore contacts. I was told I don't blink enough. Whether that is true or not I don't know if it was the reason my eyes were dry; I really don't know...

In some cases dry eyes can be caused by something as simple as menopause, Blepharitis (inflammation of eye lid), or Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) . However, some of the reasons why people have dry eyes can be serious such as having one of the many auto immune diseases (like I have) that can cause dry eyes  such as: Sjogren's Syndrome, Lupus, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis to name a few. The Restasis commercial ends by saying, "talk to your doctor about Restasis". Perhaps the commercial should end with something like, "talk to your doctor about your symptoms of having dry eyes and ask him if it is possible it could be something more serious like an autoimmune disorder. Remember Restasis might be just what the doctor may order".

Below is a copied from the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundations' website, If you care to make a donation to help fight this disease, the link in the post will take you back to Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation website.

July 23rd is World Sjogren's Day!

On Monday, July 23rd, the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation (SSF)will join with Sjögren's groups around the world to celebrateWorld Sjögren's Day.  We hope you will consider making a special gift to commemorate what would have been Dr. Henrik Sjögren's 112th birthday. Every gift will go to support research and education for the disease that Dr. Sjögren devoted his life to. Click Here to donate to research for World Sjogren's Day!