Category: insomnia

anger, antioxidants, arthritis, aunaturale, autoimmune, exercise, hair loss, insomnia, lupie chick, lupus, lupus foundation, meditation, miss sixx, womens health, you tube

6 Months of Living with Lupus

The Lupie Chick

Wow, where did the time go? It has been 6 months since my lupus diagnosis. I had a doctor appointment Tuesday, and I was informed that I’m stable- not getting any worse, but thus far not any better. No reduction of the meds (bummer), next appointment Jan 4, 2012.

As I reflect on the past 6 months-it brings tears to my eyes. I’ve have several short stays in the hospital, many days/nights of pain, and depression. There were days when all I could do was cry.. ball up in my bed and cry. I see my doctor so often that I feel like we are dating. I know I’m a handful and I know I work his nerves. I’m always full of questions and comments. I just tell him straight- I can’t afford to do all of the things you want me to do! I know it sounds crazy that someone/anyone would say that they can’t afford to do something that may benefit them-BUT I can’t! I’ve made adjustment to my benefits at work (starting with getting the flexible spending account) in which I hope will help me financially with some of the things I need to incorporate. In the mean time, I’m doing the best I can with what I have. It has been extremely difficult for me to accept help. I’ve always been the care giver- not the one being cared for. I find myself ashamed of my appearance (because of the weight gain from the meds along with the scarring on my face). Ive had trouble with housekeeping and cooking meals sometimes-but THANKS to my children and my husband all of which have pitched in and got the job done when I couldn’t.

Some friends have hung in there with me and a lot have fallen by the wayside. That saying “out of sight out of mind “pops into my head. As long as I’m out of sight, I guess I don’t cross their mind(s). The other day my son’s step mother sent me a message on Facebook that said “you’re a fighter- I know firsthand” lol..lol.. That sentence made me laugh uncontrollably. The people that I least expect to hear from are the people that I’m in contact with. The people whom I thought didn’t care about me, have showed the most concern. For that I’m forever grateful.

November 20th my daughter turned 13 years old. Crazy me thought it would be a great idea to have a 3 day (weekend) celebration.

Pretty Girls Rock Party started Friday at 3:30pm and ended Sunday at 6:00pm. All I can say is a weekend of cupcakes, makeup, swimming, food, and dancing left me slaved to my bed for 5 days. I literally could not move. I had a conversation with my body and Lupus. I told them- “look I need for the both of you to cooperate and lean back this weekend. My mini me turns 13 once and I need to be there for her-if either of you act up, or show off there will be hell to pay!!!!!” My feet gave out Sunday afternoon, but all else was perfect!!!!! My daughter was so happy that I was able to participate and hang with the “girls” all weekend.

It’s been 6 months of living with Lupus. I’m determined to make the next 6 months much more enjoyable & pain free. I’m being forced to face one of my fears (water). It’s been demanded (by my doctor) that I begin an exercise regimen. It’s hard to imagine exercising when I’m in constant pain. I’m looking into water aerobics (to help with my joints) and yoga. I have an incredible fear of water (due to a childhood incident when I almost drowned).

I’m hoping that I can get back to wearing my stiletto’s shoes,walking without pain and leave the sneakers for workouts-not part of my daily uniform. I want to wear makeup when I want too-not because I feel like I have too (I’ve recently purchased the clarisonic brush-I’m already seeing results). I will also be doing a makeup over-a do over- a NEW ME!!!!!! So until next time Lupie Chicks-stay healthy and pain free!


** did you notice that my earrings match my jacket? I wrapped them myself using yarn**

aunaturale, autoimmune, depression, detox, diet, headache, insomnia, meditate, migraines, miss sixx, mz sixx, natural hair, peace, reflect, relax, skin care, skin disorder, womens health

Day 9: Younger Looking Skin plan

The Lupie Chick

Reflect and Relax
By Amy Wechsler, MD

Reflect on Your Journey This is the final day of the Younger Looking Skin plan! Think about how the last 9 days have been for you. What’s gone well? Do you feel physically and emotionally different than you did last weekend? What helped you most? Was it getting more sleep, connecting with friends, having more sex, or learning to meditate?

Take Two Just for You Pick the stress buster that you’ve liked doing best — meditating, breathing, making love, having a worry session, whatever — and do it twice today.
And don’t forget to get your beauty sleep, be positive, foster friendships, move your body, eat clean, go green, relax, and simplify.

You’ve completed the 9-Day Mind-Beauty Makeover and tapped the power of The Mind-Beauty Connection to start reversing the effects of tension and time. You should be looking and feeling not only younger but also happier, healthier, and more whole; less stressed, more you.

By continuing even some of the new habits you’ve picked up in the last 9 days, you’ll keep looking and feeling terrific, not just for now, but for life. Use these tips to nurture the beauty in you:
Stick to your newly formed habits as best you can over the next several weeks as your body continues to adjust and respond.

Feel free to add and subtract things that worked especially well for you, or didn’t. The point is to discover what helps you, and that’s going to be as individual as you and your life are. Use Dr. Amy’s 7 Habits for Healthy Skin to stay on track.

Focus on making your daily activity something you look forward to. Get inspired with these videos.

Keep a handle on stress, don’t skimp on sleep or healthy eats, and don’t get lured in by the latest beauty products.

Tell someone else how the mind-beauty connection can reverse stress aging and bring out the best in her looks.

The information included on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

aunaturale, autoimmune, beauty, insomnia, lupie chick, lupus, mz sixx, natural hair, power nap, skin care, sleep, womens health

Day 8: Sleep more for younger looking skin

The Lupie Chick

Get Enough Beauty Sleep
By Amy Wechsler, MD

Get More Beauty Sleep If you don’t have any early obligations today, sleep in as long as you like. If you have to get up early, take a nap later in the afternoon. The ideal time for a nap is about 8 hours after you get up — that’s when your body temperature naturally takes a little dip (a sleep inducer); it’s part of your normal biological rhythm. So give in, and experience the beauty benefits of a little power nap.

How to Power Nap
Take off your shoes, and get comfy on a reclining chair, couch, or bed.

Close the blinds, or turn away from any direct sunlight.

Set an alarm for 30 minutes. That gives you 10 to fall asleep and 20 for your actual nap.

Avoid napping after 3 p.m. — it can disrupt your nighttime sleep.

Here’s a great reason to get more sleep.
Keep focusing on your inner beauty, fostering friendships, moving your body, eating well, going green, relaxing, and simplifying.

The information included on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

aunaturale, autoimmune, beauty, cleasner, depression, etsy, exfoliate, gentle, insomnia, lupie chick, lupus, moisturizers, ocm, routine, skin disorder, SPF

9 Days to Younger Looking Skin- Day 1

The Lupie Chick

If you follow my natural hair care blog (Au’Naturale By Mz Sixx) then you know all too well about my skin issues. I once had BEAUTIFUL, BUTTERY, BROWN skin. Over the years my skin has become scarred, problematic, and sensitive. I’ve recently discovered that alot of my issues are Lupus related. I’ve already begun a “simple” beauty routine, to help clear my skin of the acne outbreaks, rashes, redness, and scarring. I ran across this article and thought I would share. I will be posting tips by Amy Wechsler, MD 9 days to skin renewal plan.

Day 1 –Simplify Your Beauty Routine
Pare Down Your Beauty Products- Over treating your skin with multiple products is one of the most common problems dermatologist Amy Wechsler sees, so narrow your collection down to a few select items. Dr. Amy’s must-haves:

One gentle everyday facial cleanser
Two good moisturizers — one with sunscreen for day, and another for night
An exfoliate to use two or three times a week ( I make a natural sugar scrub that’s gentle & moisturizing- I use it 3-4 times a week)

Simplify Your Skin Routine
In the morning, wash your face with your hands — they’re naturally thorough, but gentle. Apply your daytime moisturizer to still-damp skin; let it soak in before applying makeup.

Repeat at night, but spend a minute longer washing your face to be sure you remove all makeup, dirt, and residue from the day. Then, apply your nighttime moisturizer.
Recommended Skin Products
CLEANSERS
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
Dove Sensitive Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

** I use Cetaphil Gentle skin Cleanser on the days when I wear makeup I do the OCM cleaning method**

For acne-prone skin, try one of these:
Clinique’s Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Cleanser
Topix Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Wash

DAYTIME MOISTURIZERS
Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion with SPF 30
Kinerase Cream SPF 30
Topix Replenix CF Anti-Photoaging Complex SPF 45
Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion for the Face SPF 30
** I use Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 **

NIGHTTIME MOISTURIZERS
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturizing Cream
Topix Replenix Cream
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Revale Skin Night Cream (contains coffee berry)
Two that contain retinol:
Philosophy Help Me Retinol Night Treatment
Topix Replenix Retinol Smoothing Serum 2X, 3X, and 10X (also contains green tea polyphenols)
** I use Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion **

EXFOLIATING TONERS
Clinique’s Clarifying Lotions (or try their 7-Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula)
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner
Philosophy Microdelivery Peel Pads
Daily Microfoliant by Dermalogica
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Toner
** I use Rose Water or Homemade Green Tea Toner**

For acne-prone skin, try this:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Toner Astringent Lotion

Get Ready for Beauty Sleep
Start by asking yourself: How many hours of sleep do I need to feel really refreshed? If the answer is 8, and you normally get up at 6 a.m., you should be in bed by 10 p.m. That means you need to call it a day by 9 p.m. to give yourself an hour to wind down and wash up. ** my doctor recommend this as well with help with insomnia**

Need extra inspiration?
Sometimes we jump into new routines without much thought, and then drift away from them after a few days. Keep that from happening this time by mentally stepping into your plan. Spend at least 15 minutes focusing on why you’re doing this and what you’re hoping to get out of it. Then, go for it. It’s only 9 days, after all.