Just Live Forward

With Grace and Grit - Life with Chronic Illness

  • Start Here
  • Resources
  • Inspiration
  • About
  • Contact Me

The Pitfalls of Prednisone: Surviving the Side Effects

October 18, 2020 By Sandy 4 Comments

Eastern Chipmunk standing on a mossy log with its cheek pouches full of food

It’s widely prescribed and can be wonderfully effective. But the side effects can be wicked. Here are some tips for surviving the side effects of prednisone.

Have you ever taken prednisone? If you have a chronic illness or autoimmune disease that is inflammatory in nature – as so many are – you probably have. And taking prednisone is like balancing precariously on a double-edged sword somewhere between gratitude and madness.

Keep Reading

Filed Under: Autoimmune Disease Tagged With: treatments

Seven Questions to Ask Your New Rheumatologist

June 2, 2020 By Sandy Leave a Comment

notebook and black pen next to cappucino and green plant

If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease – or are waiting for a diagnosis – there are seven questions you should ask your rheumatologist.

It’s been a year and half since I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune condition that causes fatigue, inflammation, severe muscle weakness and skin rashes. By the time I was diagnosed I had spent two weeks in the hospital – including a couple of days in intensive care.

Keep Reading

Filed Under: Autoimmune Disease

Three Questions to Ask Before Starting the AIP Diet

May 13, 2020 By Sandy Leave a Comment

spinach chicken pomegranate salad AIP

Ready to try the AIP diet? These three questions will help you determine if it’s right for you.

Fix me. That’s what I wanted to say when I finally received my myositis diagnosis.  Since autoimmune diseases can’t be cured – but can be managed – I knew that I had a long road ahead of me (the rest of my life).  And I had felt like crap for so long. I wanted and desperately needed some healing. This isn’t my first serious illness rodeo and I knew that part of my healing would be up to me. 

Keep Reading

Filed Under: Autoimmune Disease Tagged With: AIP, anti-inflammatory foods, autoimmune diet, paleo

The Road to Diagnosing Autoimmune Disease

March 29, 2020 By Sandy Leave a Comment

overhead shot of road with many sharp switchbacks

With more than 100 types of autoimmune disorders, the road to diagnosing autoimmune disease looks more like an obstacle course composed of traffic cones, construction barricades, and dead end signs. 

Any guess as to how long it takes to diagnose an autoimmune disease?  According to the AARDA it takes about 4.5 years.  And it didn’t surprise me to hear that.  With more than 100 types of autoimmune disease and a broad spectrum of symptoms, getting a diagnosis is like taking a long drive to an elusive destination without the benefit of a working GPS.  Even though more than 20 million Americans have some type of autoimmune disease, I’m betting that each of the journeys to diagnosis was different. 

Keep Reading

Filed Under: Autoimmune Disease Tagged With: common symptoms of autoimmune disease, myositis

Welcome

Image of blog author

Hi! I'm Sandy. If you’ve found your way here chances are you’re living with a chronic illness. Do you need support? Coping strategies? Information? Maybe a little humor? You’ve come to the right place. Join me on my journey. It’s so much easier if we do it together.

Follow me on Pinterest

Subscribe

Archives

  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020

Categories

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Chronic Illness Bloggers

  • Start Here
  • Resources
  • Inspiration
  • About
  • Contact Me

Copyright © 2021 · justliveforward.com

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're okay with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.