Going through life with an autoimmune condition, or several, like I do, can be a difficult process. Over the years I’ve been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and I have the markers for antiphospholipid syndrome, which can lead to blood clots. When many of us start our health journeys, even if we are fortunate enough to get a diagnosis, we can quickly end up with more questions
Each of us at Carrie Ann Conversations is on our own path to wellness, and for each of us this has involved or continues to involve going to therapy to help us live our best lives. We know that there are many who are wary of therapy, or who don’t have the means to see a therapist right now, so we wanted to share some of the best lessons we’ve
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or just exhausted? This past year has pushed many of us to our limits, and has kept us in a survival mode that can keep us from having the energy to solve problems or try to make even small lifestyle changes. A solution for so many of these issues, from missing sleep to low self esteem, can be found in the simple practice
One of the biggest shifts in quarantine is how small our worlds have become. Because of this, more and more of it is contained within the screens we carry with us at all times. Many of our friends are only available to us through these screens- we use them to keep up with each other, share our lives, feel connected. But our phones aren’t solely for connection. I once heard
The phrase “self-care” has been popping up now more than ever as we collectively navigate our new normal in this pandemic. We’ve all needed to take moments for ourselves and our mental health, whether that be through meditation, journaling, exercise, etc. One simple thing that has brought me a sense of comfort is my nightly skin care regimen. Having struggled with acne and rosacea since my pre-teen years, skin care
Each and every new year, we find ourselves pressured to remember the same few things; we’re told to reflect on the year behind us and set goals for the year ahead. Yet, it feels so easy to let the new year slip by, to make an arbitrary commitment to a resolution that won’t last to February (I’m no stranger to the abandoned resolution!). We’ve heard so much about resolutions each
As someone who lives with with autoimmune disorders (lupus, fibromyalgia, APL, Sjogren’s Syndrome, RA and chronic pain from spinal stenosis), COVID-19 was an illness I hoped I’d never have to face. My conditions make me immunocompromised, meaning I was always at higher risk for serious complications if I contracted a respiratory virus like COVID-19. When I tested positive, I felt so many emotions: sadness, fear, confusion, and loneliness. Something that
One of the best parts of winter is getting the cozy feeling of curling up with a warm spirit. This season brings with it so many great flavors and scents; there’s almost nothing that captures them better than the perfect spiced beverage. A cup of spiced cider, hot toddy, or even gin punch can be the perfect accessory to a warm evening in, a way to celebrate with loved ones
If you have a dietary restriction, you know that it can add an extra layer of stress over the holidays. Having an autoimmune disorder can mean that many of the sugary, starchy holiday staples can have a negative impact on your system and cause painful flares. The good news is that there are still plenty of holiday foods that fit within the Autoimmune Protocol Diet, which advises you to avoid
I’ve been asked a few times to share my skin care routine; my Sjogren’s Syndrome and lupus naturally leave my skin dry and fragile, meaning that I have to work hard to take good care of it. I’m also facing menopause and many of my current medications can cause my skin to dry out even more. I’ve given my recommendations on how to battle dryness when it comes to your
View More