Diagnosis and treatment of Lupus and Fibromyalgia – Wendy Coven Blanchard, M.S., INHC, CPS

Lupus (SLE) when experienced in conjunction with Fibromyalgia can only be described as bones, muscles and joints severely swollen, and with chronically pulsating, debilitating pain set on fire in every fiber of one’s body…from head to toe and everywhere in between. There is no time off. Breathing is very shallow because even breathing is painful and taxing. Sitting, standing, walking, use of one’s hands/wrists, and sleeping are impossible.

I have recently experienced an unprecedented flare of this magnitude. This morning, August 30, 2022, I could breathe a little more deeply and the pain and “fire” is less “inflamed.”

I am being treated through an integrative approach using steroids, an anti-inflammatory medication, and treating my gut inflammation which is no doubt the cause of this systemic inflammation.

Of course, I continue to use my Oxytocin breathing to mitigate the racing of my heart and of my thoughts by focusing on the flow of my breath and of the sound from my vocal chords which stimulate my vagas nerve, promoting calm and control of my mind. Learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gDfmBAh3ww&t=1s

Lupus and Fibromyalgia are completely debilitating. I have not experienced this type of flare in over 10 years. A year of chronic stress causing gut inflammation which triggered these systemic autoimmune diseases were keeping me bedridden for these past couple of weeks. This morning, I have taken steps on my own without audible moaning from the sheer movement of my extremities.

Dearest God, thank you.

For information on Lupus, please visit https://www.lupus.org

Managing stress is imperative in our everyday lives. I am an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Mental Health Educator and have extensive experience in stress management, and practice it daily. Even me, with 10 years in recovery from mental health disorders and substance use disorder, and with all of my tools, still succumbed, sub-consciously, to overwhelming stress.

I do my very best, and when I am unable to take care of myself through my daily self care practices, I humbly ask for help from my healthcare and holistic professionals, and reach out to my family and closest friends for loving support. And I ask God/Spirit/Universe for strength, and for guidance to the professionals that will be able to assist me in regaining my wellness.

This is my best self care for my body, mind and spirit.

Love and blessings,

Wendy