Finding Happiness While Living with a Chronic Illness

[@JenniferHJen-eralHealth]

I have the same feelings. I live with a chronic illness and I know what you mean about the heightened senses. Now that I'm passed the hardest part (hopefully, like you said) I noticed that I do that too. I look around and I appreciate things SO much more. I appreciate nature, being able to sit/lay down and feel comfortable, having food to eat, a place to live, etc. thank you for the video :)

[@SpoonieSensei]

it is so true that we do develop appreciation for the things around us; i really believe that although having chronic illness sucks, it gives us something big back, almost like a blessing in disguise. just think how much better the world would be if the rest of the world even just appreciated ladybugs landing on their windows and the chance to spend time with their family while they could. beautiful video!! you definitely made me a little bit happier today - thank you!

[@here2watch08]

I couldn't help but crying. I have Lupus, since 2010. Fibromyalgia too. It has come with many other complications. I have the same appreciativeness, and I wish healthy people could have it too, because to have your health is to have all possibilities. People even in my family take everything for granted and even tell me I'm not trying hard enough. If they only knew how ignorant and selfish they were. Seeing your story makes me feel so bad for you, and I have the same disease and I realize I haven't allowed myself to feel bad for myself. I really berate myself in my mind for not doing better or trying hard enough. If I just chilled out and didn't do that maybe I would actually be able to make more progress. It's just hard to believe things will change very often. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@LIONELRODZ]

Thank you , its saod when the student is ready , the teacher will appear, happiness is contagious. Thank you for your smile, and kind words. Peace

[@DS-fi4hf]

“With gratitude optimism is sustainable.” -Michael J. Fox

[@lechat8736]

Hang in there. I have MS and sometimes it`s tough as hell. Hugs, Josi

[@donnalambeau2541]

I suffer from fibromyalgia which is like Lupus. I look for positive things in my life. Today though I was in so much pain I slept for six hours. I understand how you feel sweetheart. Thank you for sharing. Take care of yourself.

[@yvettewalshe9130]

I have lupus also. it truly bites. I am truly hurting right now. I was diagnosed 3 years ago, but for the past three weeks and a half I have been in horrible pain. I have horrible hip pain and all over body pain. I am not getting much of a break from it. Going to see my Rheumatologist and hoping she can tell me what I can do to make it better. I can get through this, with God's help. we all can get through this. Asking for prayers. You are amazing. For someone so young, you have my utmost respect. God has great things in store for you and for all of us. God bless you and praying for all of us to get through this.

[@color2066]

I’m 24 and deal with TMJ, tendonitis in my hands and arms and pretty much anywhere it wants to affect, tinnitus, neck spasms... this video helped me so much. Knowing we aren’t alone. You’re so strong. This message is powerful. thank you so much for putting yourself out there. Means so much

[@Katherine-mj8sw]

Thank you. I'm still in the first year. I literally spent today wondering what the hell is the point. But thank you. You've spoke my mind. I really really mean it, thank you so much.

[@jeanmcginnis9804]

I also have lupus and my heart goes out to you!l have had it for 15 yrs.now and no remissions. I also took cellcept and had three scares with lymphoma.Its like the medicine is worse than the disease with the side effects and all.lm in bed mostly and constant pain,organ involvement and I could go on but I understand where you're coming from.Don't get me wrong, I wish I didn't have lupus but it has taught me a lot. I am grateful to see the sunrise,hear the birds sing,enjoy my children and grandchildren when they visit,It's taught me to enjoy every moment for it is a gift! I think you are wiser than people twice your age because you are enjoying the little things in life that are so special and a lot of people take for granted. I pray you have a complete remission! GOD BLESS YOU!

[@Slidehhy]

How are you keeping now

[@jeanmcginnis9804]

@@Slidehhy Actually worse.Thank you for asking❣️

[@Slidehhy]

@@jeanmcginnis9804 no problem I am suffering too and basically bed bound every day aswell it's tough

[@MegaNesha123]

Watching in 2021 at 2 am in the morning and finding hope through knowing I’m not alone ... thank you for sharing ❤️

[@angelinadobler79]

I am 27 and have a completely different illness (brain related) but I can so relate to this! You're so strong and I'm sorry you have to go through this!!

[@ronaldinocrosdale7622]

Man I feel your same pain Video helped me feel less alone ty

[@etlachi3322]

It's difficult to get along with your life but you learn to appreciate some insignificant things for the rest of the people but for you these things are wonderful and pretty at the same time. I have a family and finally a big baby and you know, it's wonderful because I didn't think I will have a baby for my condition. It's just wonderful. Keep doing these videos; many of them have inspired my life and the way I see the life today. Greetings from Tlaxcala, Mexico. I would like to sent you a pic of my family. Let me know.

[@Fizzstah2]

I could have filmed this video myself I feel exactly the same. I started my channel for the same reason your one of the people that inspired me to document my journey. I have slowed down a lot but I'm starting to push myself more now and I'm learning how my body reacts.

[@RAofSunshine81]

I also have Lupus (& RA, fibro, IC). It's definitely a daily struggle. Big hugs, praying for you doll. Keep your head up!!

[@antilog5851]

May God bless us

[@lupiemelly14]

Sweet girl you are so wonderful and I hurt for knowing what you are going through everyday. You know I have lupus as well and recently started Humira for rheumatoid arthritis and just yesterday diagnosed with Scleritis in my eye. I wake up in pain most days and now more immunosuppressed from the methotrexate and now Humira and I am just waiting for the day when I feel better. There are rough days and even rougher days but I value every single day. You are so blessed to be positive when you can and you are brave to be able to vent about the crappy days. I love your videos and it helps so much to know I'm not alone in all this. Love you sweet girl. :)

[@hads4907]

Thank you for this video..it made me cry, i was feeling very hopeless but this helped. Thank you x

[@alizaz9956]

ive had severe pain for about 8 YEARS THEy told me it was in my head... now apparently about 8 motnhs ago i got diagnosed with chronic lyme and an autoimmune disease related to it..i am in pain everyday .. migraines..body pain .. i have tics... and new symptoms pop up.. liek my stomach killing and naseua and horrible trouble breathing for days(itwont go away ) and i'm panicking ... and i have literally lost all my friends bcuz im not fun anymore and literally ALL I can talk about is my symptoms and pain ( did you have that , i feel like its normal but everyone says its not) so my freinds all got sick of it and now ihave no one...... i cant drink anymore bcuz if i do im so sick for like 2 days... and now im losing my parents... so i basically have no one... and im not getting better .. i just keep getting worse. I honestly feel like giving up especially since this awful trouble breathing to started 5 days ago to the point where i can barely speak, but i didnt go to the doctor bcuz i figure whats the point they wont find anything...and horrible fights with my parents..im jsut totally alone now... i cant control my body ( i have tics ) i look crazy and hurt myself doing them with liek crackling my jaw over and over and facial twitches im ruining my skin and bending etc.. My mind set tho like you said is so negative i feel like i will never get better... like ihave lost everything.. and everyone and i dont have any ok days .... i just dont know what to do... and i cant control my emotions im so angry all the time and crying and so emotional and they just dont understand... i cant function at all.. your in school and work,... i have no freinds and cant do anything i feel awful ///I had a terrible day today with my mom we got ina physical fight and it was just terrible she said such hurtful things to me and a normal me could handle it but a sick me couldn't and she just doesn't get it even i dont. I just dont know what todo.. i Feel liek i cant handle the pain anymore ... or all the symptoms and tics and the breathing is awful and im just so scared they wont go away im in a constant panic and cant stop crying for a week now.. and i just feeel like this is the end and i cant do this anymore especially not alone... i mean for crying gout loud now i cant even speak bcuz of my breathing and im freaking out it will be chronic and have all these awful scenarios in my head as if things arent bad enough.... just like i do with every new symptom and i make my self insane and have a full on break downs... every thought it my mind is negative i cant think of a single positive thing .. not one... and i just keep thinkgin whyme .... maybe im nto strong enough tohandle it.... i just feel liek i cant do this anymore...psychically mostly but mentally to...and i know thats bad but i cant.... sorry this is so long ijust feel like giving up and thats whyi typed in these videos hoping for some help... im even crying again now whike typong this ive been crying since 10 am and it makes my migraines ten times worse i cant even help myself/... if you or anyone has any ideas or suggestions or advice please write back... im in a really dark and hopeless place,.... thanks and sorry for all the typos i can hardly breathe and my fingers hurt @livehopelupus

[@MindMetalworks]

You are so sweet and so switched on for your age. I also have a difficult chronic illness and it took me years to figure out what you were talking about in your video. Thankyou, it helped me alot. :)

[@swylie830]

stop going nonstop before your body forces you to stop going at all. XOXO

[@KatieSierra]

Thank you for giving us these videos! I was recently diagnosed with Sjogren's and my muscle tense up so bad I can't use my hands and feet. Its nice to have someone say these things.

[@209serenity]

Thank you so much for your videos Hun. I really enjoy them and they give me hope during those hard times. I hope you are having a great week and keep smiling :) hugs

[@etlachi3322]

It is really hard to deal with it but you know we have this illness and the people see you like a normal person and they dont know how you feel or how strong is the pain inside you .... Only who have this illness know how hard is tro live with it and we have to go on even against the pain and the so many medications we have to take. The only thing I have to say toy you is to thank for the videos and keep going in live.....it is difficult but you are not alone in it. thanks.

[@muckingfadnessful]

This is the first video I watched on your channel and I really want to say that I love you, please be happy no matter what, we all will be okay. 😌

[@alexachronister2526]

Cheers to this girl! We are loving your videos!

[@Brin4011]

I just want to say thanks for this inspiring video, there are some days where I think no one understands all the s### we have to go through. I get really sad but know I'm lucky because I am still here. please keep on posting, it makes me feel better that I'm not alone on this jouney 👐

[@TheUnchargeablesbyNatalie]

Stay positive!

[@alice02254]

Thank u for this.

[@practicalskills]

I am glad you have a good support network.

[@sarabeacher]

Your videos are always inspiring. This along so many more things are your purpose! 💜💜💜💜💜

[@peachiichiba7903]

I'm at such a low point I feel like I am not here for a reason

[@hotmessmommee]

I'm so happy that you're my friend!! I appreciate you and everything you do!! I love you girl!! :) you are an amazing and strong woman!

[@HealWithSamantha]

+Taylor and Justin Thanks Tay! Love you!

[@omersheikh9886]

Always cheering for your health and success

[@Justericpersonal]

This video inspired me immensely. Thank you. God bless you :)

[@Bloomsandvibes28]

i have chronic migraine and its so hard to get a government job with it .

[@4TheQuadCore]

Whenever you smile, I swear my world stops :)

[@justbambitious1]

Great video hang in there I understand you I say the same things! Your not alone ! I can barely leave the house. I have Eds and have all the same symptoms

[@jeathtunes769]

If ur a pretty woman like urself, it doesn't matter u have a chronic illness, a terminal illness or whatever illness, have no legs no arms etc., u wont have any problems in life, someone will find u make make u happy. Perks of being a good looking woman

[@camelia9802]

one must be thankful for small mercies

[@BlackCulturalPreservation2023]

I do recommend to everyone...doing a two week parasite cleanse, with on and off days. It helped my energy level and mental clarity a lot.

[@lovelife1265]

I would love to take all of your pain away so you can have life.. Your so young and you still so much life ahead of you, i hate that we have this..

[@alexandrag3124]

Stop working the weekends! Resting is as important as the meds. It´s great that you appreciate life differently than other your age, but i would say you have to accept the limitations and adapt to them as gracefully as possible. I know it´s easier said than done, i am in the same boat. Do you really need to work weekends, financially? I can recommend watching videos from Overcoming MS youtube channel (overcoming multiple sclerosis): it is a program started by an australian emergency doctor, who was at the peak of his career when he was diagnosed with MS. After that he started doing lots of research and came up with this program which basically says that changing your eating habits is as important as managing stress, exercising and taking enough vitamin D. Lupus is not MS, but these principles apply for every chronic disease. This emergency doctor than switched to another field in medicine, so he adapted his strengths to wanting to live as `healthy`as possible with the disease. Really love your videos! Wishing you all the best!

[@HealWithSamantha]

Alexandra G luckily I switched jobs and graduated since then so I now just work part time. It's been easier on my body. I was actually looking at some diets for MS yesterday. I fully believe changing my diet will help improve my situation (not that I eat that bad currently but could be doing better). Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@alexandrag3124]

So happy to hear you were able to do some changes :) I started watching randomly some of your videos and not even realized this one was from 2015 (oops!). I for one, am kind of following the diet this doctor is recommending: it´s basically vegan + fish + low in saturated and transfats. Is it helping? I don´t know, but it is surely healthier than what i was eating before, and gives me a sense of control of my Sjögren/SLE. But diet is only part of the big picture :)

[@ivangartenhaus4276]

One looks at you , and thinks this gorgeous blonde is so lucky she has nothing to worry about in this world.

[@cward970]

yes

[@privettesamantha1]

Hi Samantha, My name is Samantha as well :) I have a few questions about the medications you are on . I have MCTD and have been on many medications but had to stop due to side effects. I am now on Plaquenil, Cellcept, Prednisone and many others. I was wondering if you are still on the Cellcept and if so what all side effects you have had? It has caused me alot of fatigue and skin issues where my skin will literally peel off if I wipe it too hard and my face breaks out really bad. I also have hair loss , stomach pain and swelling. I got shingles as well while on it not sure if it was the meds or just my MCTD but I had to stop for a few weeks and then start back. I was also wondering if it has affected your weight in any way ? I will loose weight then gain from swelling up . The reason I stay on it is because it helps my joint pain alot !! But I just want to know if you or anyone else reading this has these same side effects?

[@delara7]

One of my many conditions is also MCTD (in add'n to Lupus/Scleroderma). I'm taking most of meds u mentioned now. i went on Cellcept 2x. first time I had some swelling mostly in my legs. 2nd try I noticed I was losing some hair in the shower, my vision was changing and I felt EXTREMELY tired/sleepy and never wanted to leave my bed! I haven't noticed any skin issues. Was only on it for a month and I told my Dr. I can't handle these side effects and stopped it. Some others say your body will adjust, but I just can't tolerate it. How can u have a decent quality on Life if u have zero energy and can't function out of your bed?? I'm on Rituxan infusions now and has helped with my muscle issues alot and so far my other symptoms seem stable for now...

[@rainbowcity911]

My name is Samantha too, I have Endo and fybro , and it’s hard to go to school and college . I’m moving out next month I’m on my first year with everything , it’s a lot to be in pain everyday and not have professors and managers understand.

[@WitchyShelbs]

Your not alone. I have been dealing with the same thing. Learning this week that having a chronic illness is an adaptable process. I have been learning about more of my limitations with my chronic illness. It isn't fun. But there is nothing I can do about it. I just have to get into the right mental focus, like you said. And you are right it is hard. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are so strong. Here is a link to my blog: youngandlivingwithpots.blogspot.com

[@89okt31]

life is for our god. the one only. u r strong

[@ivangartenhaus4276]

+Faris Rashid please, don't spoil it.

[@kellypalace]

Have you tried the Ketogenic diet? That might help you. Hang in there. You are beautiful!

[@rubymoon9321]

💟

[@tampaguy35]

You purpose is

[@____yzzy]

hey, is their anyway I can message you privately? I've got something that could change your life.. God bless

[@abuber88]

:-)

[@antilog5851]

Are u alive

[@____yzzy]

hey, is their anyway I can message you privately? I've got something that could change your life.. God bless