Tag: chronic fatigue

Unraveling The Mysteries of Autoimmune Diseases

On By Windy J Cumberbatch, CPCIn Autoimmune Disease, UncategorizedLeave a comment

In the intricate tapestry of the human body, the immune system stands as a vigilant guardian, defending against invading pathogens and maintaining overall health. However, in some cases, this defender turns against its own host, giving rise to a category of diseases known as autoimmune diseases. This blog post aims to unravel the complexities of autoimmune diseases, exploring their causes, symptoms, and the impact they have on the lives of those affected.

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues and organs. Normally, the immune system distinguishes between foreign invaders and the body’s own cells, recognizing the latter as “self.” However, in individuals with autoimmune diseases, this self-recognition breaks down, leading to an immune response against the body’s own cells.

Causes and Triggers

The precise causes of autoimmune diseases remain elusive, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors is believed to contribute to their development. Genetics play a significant role, as certain genes may predispose individuals to autoimmune conditions. Environmental factors, such as infections, exposure to certain chemicals, and dietary factors, can also trigger autoimmune responses.

Common Autoimmune Diseases

There are over 80 recognized autoimmune diseases, each affecting specific organs or systems in the body. Some well-known examples include:

  1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Affects the joints, causing inflammation and pain.
  2. Type 1 Diabetes: Targets the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
  3. Lupus: A systemic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs.
  4. Multiple Sclerosis: Damages the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
  5. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Targets the thyroid gland, leading to Hypothyroidism.

Symptoms

The symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary widely depending on the specific condition and the affected organs. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness, fever, and inflammation. Because autoimmune diseases often mimic other illnesses, diagnosis can be challenging, requiring thorough medical evaluation and testing.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing autoimmune diseases involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and various laboratory tests. Blood tests, imaging studies, and biopsies may be used to confirm the presence of autoimmune activity. Once diagnosed, treatment aims to suppress the abnormal immune response and manage symptoms. Medications, such as immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly prescribed. In some cases, lifestyle modifications and dietary changes may also be recommended.

Living with Autoimmune Diseases

Living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging, as it often involves ongoing medical management and lifestyle adjustments. Chronic fatigue, pain, and the unpredictable nature of flare-ups can impact daily life. Support from healthcare professionals, as well as emotional and social support, plays a crucial role in helping individuals cope with the physical and emotional aspects of these conditions.

Autoimmune diseases represent a complex and diverse group of disorders that continue to puzzle medical researchers and practitioners. Understanding the intricate interplay of genetics, environment, and the immune system is essential for advancing both the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. As research progresses, the hope is that more effective therapies will emerge, providing relief and improving the quality of life for those living with autoimmune diseases. In the meantime, raising awareness and fostering a supportive community are vital steps in the journey toward better managing and ultimately conquering these enigmatic diseases.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe to our blog so you’re in the know when we have a new blogpost. You can also find Windy’s Journey podcast now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, AmazonMusic, and Spotify! 

We need your support to help increase awareness about chronic illness and the negative impact it has on individuals and their families. Share this with someone who is chronically ill as it is my life’s goal to Empower | Encourage | Inspire others who are on this journey with me.

XO- Windy

Daniel 3:18 “And if not, He is still good! “

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Guilt & Chronic Illness

On By Windy J Cumberbatch, CPCIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Something I’ve noticed as I navigate living with chronic illness and connecting with others who are on the same path, nobody really speaks about the guilt that comes with chronic illness. I know in my own life I certainly have felt guilty for being sick and not being able to do the things I used to be able to do with and for myself and my family. My chronic illness is debilitating, which means there are times when I have to say “No” to things. I need help with day to day things and I am unable to do things like make dinner without help, clean the house, help my daughter with her homework, and the most obvious thing I can no longer do is work.

Tbe pain and the fatigue that comes along with chronic illness is so intense that it completely wipes me out. The thing that has been really causing me to feel guilty is cancelling plans. Calling or texting a family member or friend to say “I can’t make it” causes me to feel like I’m letting someone down…like a failure and a disappointment. I know my family/friends understand but that doesn’t stop the negative feelings from creeping in. To take it a step further, when it comes to my husband I feel like a burden. I count on my husband for just about everything and I can’t imagine the amount of pressure that places on him. He takes me to most of my doctor appointments, does the grocery shopping, takes our daughter to school and picks her up, and everything in between. I step in and help out when I can, but it wipes me out completely. Driving my daughter to school and back home takes all the energy and strength I have.

ISOLATION

Whenever I start to feel guilty and down about my situation I have noticed that I tend to isolate myself. I get in my bed, roll up in a ball, and try my best to block out all the things I can no longer do. I leave text messages unread, don’t answer phone calls, and do not want to go anywhere. I am fully content and ok with being alone in my bedroom thinking about all the things I wish I could do. The guilt is so overwhelming at times…it oftentimes takes my breath away. It’s hard to explain, though I feel some of you know exactly what I mean as you’ve been through it yourself. Chronic illness is not fun nor is it vacation or cake walk. It’s hard, with twists and turns along the way. Isolation, I feel, is ok in moderation as it allows for time to collect and reflect on things. It’s important to allow family and friends in so you don’t stay in that space for long periods of time as that would be unhealthy and could be harmful to your mental health. The guilt does not last for too long but the sadness that comes along with the guilt can linger. It’s always in the back of my mind. It can sometimes lead to anxiety as well. What I mean by that is I become anxious when someone asks to spend time with me for fear that I may need to cancel because of my illness. You have know idea what goes on inside when a friend of mine wants to meet up for coffee or lunch. I will say yes hoping I will feel well enough on the day of.

It’s important for me to remember that my life will not always be like this and I have a lot of people in my life who love me and understand my situation. My family and close friends are always ok whenever I need to cancel or whenever I need to say “No”. They never hold things against me, even when I have to cancel the day of. I need to push through the guilt I feel and focus on getting better…there’s no reason for me to feel guilty. This is a season in my life where I feel God working on me in order to get me closer to becoming the person He created me to be. Chronic illness is not my identity and it is not who I am. The enemy is working overtime to get me to focus on my illnesses and all the things I can’t do and all the things I am missing out on, but the truth is my chronic condition is teaching me so many things about myself. I realize the following things about Windy:

  • I am stronger than I thought
  • I am resilient
  • I enjoy my alone time
  • I am fearless
  • I am a warrior in the Spirit
  • I am hopeful
  • I am wise

Although this journey has been rough, I am thankful to God for all the things I am learning about myself. I know that I will have a beautiful testimony that I will be able to share with others about how faithful God has been to me and my family every step of the way. No guilt, no shame in Jesus’ name!

Thank you so much for stopping by. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe to our blog so you’re in the know when we have a new blogpost. You can also find Windy’s Journey podcast now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, AmazonMusic, and Spotify! 

We need your support to help increase awareness about chronic illness and the negative impact it has on individuals and their families. Share this with someone who is chronically ill as it is my life’s goal to Empower | Encourage | Inspire others who are on this journey with me.

XO- Windy

Daniel 3:18 “And if not, He is still good! “

Follow me on social media:

IG: @windysjourney

FB: @windysjourney

X: @windysjourney

My Life Before Chronic Illness

On By Windy J Cumberbatch, CPCIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about my life before I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. I spend a good amount of time alone which has afforded me time to reflect over the last 20 years. I often wonder what my life would be like had I not gone to the doctor all those years ago in an effort to get to the root cause for being so sick and for so long. I mean, what if I would have ignored the debilitating symptoms and kept on pushing…where would my life be now?

WHAT DO I MISS THE MOST?

A few months ago someone asked me what aspect(s) of my life from before do I miss the most? Honestly I had not taken the time to consider that prior to getting this question, but I’ve had some time to think about and here’s what I’ve come up with:

  • Having a job
  • Freedom to come and go as I please
  • Going for walks in our neighborhood
  • Having energy to shop all day (Ha! I bet my husband doesn’t miss this)
  • Doing random fun things with my teenage daughter
  • Singing on the worship team at my church
  • Everyday tasks around the house

While this is a short list, there are numerous everyday things that I may have taken for granted that I am unable to do with ease anymore. These days simple tasks like sweeping the floor will wipe me out for several hours. I have to plan things out so I have enough energy. Things like going to the doctor, physical therapy & massage therapy all have to be planned out. Planning for me simply put means getting lots of rest the days leading up to any appointment. I will stay in bed and do absolutely nothing so I can make it. Not only that, I now have my husband take me to and from appointments due to my chronic illness. In the past, it would be nothing for me to hop in the car to head to an appointment, now everything is coordinated with my husband’s availability. My how things have changed!

I STILL HAVE HOPE

Although my life is not where it once was and I am unable to do certain things, I still have hope. Hope that no matter the challenge, no matter how I’m feeling, no matter what, God still has my back. My faith in God is what has gotten through some of the darkest moments in my life, when I felt I couldn’t take one more thing. God is not at all surprised by my illness, he knew I would become ill before I was formed in my mother’s womb. He has been here every step of the way guiding me, providing for me and my family and showing me fresh grace and new mercy. Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

Thank you so much for stopping by. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe to our blog so you’re in the know when we have a new blogpost. You can also find Windy’s Journey podcast now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, AmazonMusic and Spotify! We need your support to help increase awareness about chronic illness and the negative impact it has on individuals and their families.

Share this with someone who is chronically ill as it is my life’s goal to Empower | Encourage | Inspire others who are on this journey with me.

XO- Windy

And if not, He is still good! Daniel 3:18

Follow me on social media:

IG: @windysjourney

FB: @windysjourney

T: @windysjourney