Facing Forward: Lori-Ann

Facing Forward is a series that shares the lives of people living with arthritis and other invisible chronic illnesses. The goal of the series is to see how we are similar and how we are different - and to remind us to keep moving forward because we aren't alone!

Name:  Lori-Ann

Location:  Dallas, Texas

Diagnoses: Psoriasis / Psoriatic Arthritis / Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Age at Diagnosis: 44

How are you currently treating your condition?
Immunosuppression therapy, chemotherapy, topical steroids, pain killers, diet, & physical therapy.

 

What are the biggest challenges you have faced since your diagnosis?
The unpredictability of good days and bad days, navigating the city with limited mobility.

What are your favorite tips and tricks for managing everyday tasks?
Meditation, stretching, taking frequent breaks (no one says you have to make the bed all at once), and if all else fails, let someone else help you.  Injury is not worth it.

How do you manage to keep facing forward every day?
I am a naturally bubbly person, but when I am feeling particularly useless, I look at photos of my diseases on the internet.  Someone else always has it worse.  It reminds me to be grateful, anyway.

If you could go back to diagnosis day and tell your past self one thing, what would it be?
Do not panic.  You have more control than you think you do.

Do you have a blog you would like to share?
City Girl Flare

Would you like to be featured on Facing Forward? If so, please send an email to mariah@fromthispointforward.com.