I had to reduce my stress level, so we started planning meals ahead of time. A lot of our recipes come from All Recipes. The site has a lot of simple recipes and an added plus is they are economical. Finding simple recipes is important while dealing with chronic illness. We plan our meals according to what is going on that day. If I have a doctor’s appointment it’s usually crock pot or eating out. On the days, my daughter has tae kwon do we either prepare meals ahead of time, or you guessed-crock pot. We put our menus on the refrigerator to remind us to pull out the meat.

Another thing, that’s helped me, is to only shop for 2 weeks of groceries. It takes less time to shop and takes less time to put things away. The putting away is my least favorite part of grocery shopping. I’m usually exhausted by the time we finish one shopping trip. I’ve had to teach myself not to over due things. It’s easier said then done.

The last thing, we do is avoid the rush hour shopping times. The busiest time here is early evening on weekdays and Saturday nights. During the day on Saturday’s is sudden death because everyone and there grandmother is out. In the evening on a Saturday night are the slowest times in my area.

All of the de-stressors have made my life easier. They have been a real life saver when dealing with a lupus and a teenager with ADHD.

When someone gets older and has to adapt to the world it’s harder to do. Imagine the elderly lady that’s lived by herself all her life and now she’s moving in with her grown daughter and family. This is not an easy adaptation for her. Even thought she’s with family, her entire world has changed. She’s no longer in her own space with her own expectations. She’s now learning to live under someone else’s roof with someone else’s rules. She’s bound to have a more difficult time adapting to the new environment.

So your all wondering where am I going with this all? When you get sick with some kind of chronic health condition you learn to adapt. It doesn’t matter whether its lupus, MS, or diabetes or any other health condition. Learning to adapt to a new health condition can be a daring adventure or a fight all together. Does it do any good to fight it? No, not really. Will you go through an emotional roller coaster? Yes, more then likely. Is it going to be easy? No, not really. Each condition brings its own obstacles and its own gifts. I had never thought of lupus as a gift. I always thought of it as a horrible disease. It has given me a few gifts along the way. I’ve learned to adapt to living in pain, and I’ve become really resourceful at finding ways to reduce my pain. I’ve learned that my heating pad is my best friend and that a sweater keeps me warm. My muscles don’t like cold. I’ve learned that if I don’t take my meds I won’t be able to function somewhat normal. I’ve learned that a good bath and some lavender lotion soothes the muscles that tire so easily now.

Each person has to find their own way to adapt to each health condition. Most people find that something’s that work for someone else may not work for them. It’s more of a job of trial and error. I have tried so many things along the way only thinking they will work. A lot of things I’ve found don’t work. Then there are the few things that do work, have made a world of difference. So my question to you is: How do you adapt to your life’s struggles? Will you be your own villain or will you be your own hero?

You should prepare for your appointment by writing down each of your medications, and how often you take them. Make sure you list all the medications from all doctors. Listing all medications is important so the doctor can check for possible interactions. Be sure to include any vitamins and herbs as well. Inform your doctor side effect to any medications. Make sure you tell your doctor the names of any other doctors you see.

Write down any questions you have for the doctor. It’s helpful to write notes for your appointment, so you don’t forget any specifics. Don’t forget your appointment book, insurance cards and insurance co-pays. Bring a book or magazine with you. Being prepared for your appointment will make your appointment a productive.