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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. I thank you dear Universe to continue blessing me with recovery and health.
I almost lost 10kgs for no rhyme or reason and in no time.
Today, when infectious diseases pose global threats, prioritizing our immune system becomes critical. Let’s take care of our immune systems and discuss what I learned about it while fighting my rare disease.
Life threw a curveball when I was expecting to be in the pink of my health. The entire process of pre- and post-diagnosis was a great learning curve. I implemented various strategies that helped me cope with my situation, better.
Immunity is the ability of the body to fight against disease-causing organisms. Daily, our bodies become prone to various pathogens, but only a few of them result in actual diseases. The reason behind it lies in our immune system.
Our Immune System protects us against infections and heals and repairs damages. It also helps us adapt to new challenges.
Gradually, with the progression of the disease, it became way outside of my health
The story goes back to days when even my colleagues had started pinpointing my poor Immunity.
Pre-diagnosis, I got sick more often with various deficiencies among other possibilities. I experienced frequent infections and severe adverse symptoms which were difficult to interpret.
It almost became a daily phenomenon for me to have infections. Fever, cold, cough, weakness, and other related conditions became common. The cycle of frequent sickness made me visit doctors and hospitals more than any other place. The list of symptoms along with the constant illnesses were harder to treat.
Finally, after several tests, I was hospitalized for the final verdict. By then, my symptoms had much worsened with prolonged sickness.
The result went way beyond anyone’s imagination and changed my life forever. I got termed ‘Rare’.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.
Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema and Blood Pressure.
Though some rare diseases present obvious problems, others are very confusing. Many symptoms are invisible as they don’t manifest on the outside. I was happy that my diagnosis at least had some answers to my severe symptoms.
But the story doesn’t end there. It was the beginning!
It was hard for me to communicate as most of the time I was feeling unsure about things. I had no options left instead to manage and cater to all that came along as a package with the rare disease. I was extremely vulnerable to infections and diseases.
The most critical issue was being immune deficient. It showed signs and incapability to defensive mechanisms. I was ‘Immunocompromised’.
Understanding the Impact of Poor Immunity
Being immunocompromised simply means a person is more susceptible to infections. The major symptom is getting repeated or serious infections. These infections could be rare or could cause minor issues in general.
A compromised immune system has adverse effects. It could even lead to rare diseases by prolonging illness, and escalating symptoms. It could drastically slow down the treatment process creating vulnerability to regular infections.
Low Immunity hinders the importance of protective measures that could support a patient. Recovery becomes quite uncertain when a patient suffers from immunodeficiency and rare disease.
A compromised immune system can worsen the effects of a rare disease by:
1) Increase the Vulnerability to infections.
2) Decrease the recovery process.
3) May lead and add to more symptoms.
4) Throw various challenges in treatment response.
I was informed of the following possibilities of my compromised immune system
- The Rare and Chronic Diseases and Symptoms at large:
Our immune system supports and releases chemicals called histamines. They are our body’s defenders. These chemicals allow proteins and white blood cells to reach the infected tissues. I had an intolerance to this chemical which resulted in various complications. My diagnosis of various Autoimmune disorders also led to poor immunity.
- The Primary reason was a complication with my Gut Bacteria
The good bacterium in our gastrointestinal tract helps digestion. These bacteria synthesize vitamins K and B. I had a great deficiency of this bacteria.
Strategies that help me boost Immunity while Battling a Rare Disease
I made innumerable lifestyle changes to repair and strengthen my immune system. However, in my experience, it wasn’t that easy.
An imbalanced immune system did influence a variety of mood swings including anxiety. Generally, many lifestyle changes help the positive changes. I was able to dissect and identify realistic expectations and apply them in my daily routine:
- Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine which helped me fight back. The treatment emphasized on my body’s ability to fight inflammations. It used various herbs to promote my immune health and encourage a balanced lifestyle.
- Managing Stress
It proved a great tool for pain relief, relaxation, and easing muscle tension. I had regular sessions of meditation, yoga, and massages.
- Adding Physical activities
Adding physical activity as a daily routine supports immune health.
- Get a good night’s sleep
I made sure to catch those Zzz’s moments.
Quality and adequate sleep are essential for a healthy immune system. Poor sleep could cause to higher susceptibility to illnesses.
- Nutrient-Rich Diet
This is quite an important aspect.
I changed a lot with my diet. I consumed plenty of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds. These essentials provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune health. I also included sources of healthy fats such as avocado, and olive oil.
I included Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt to improve gut health.
- Staying Hydrated
Proper hydration is a must for overall health, including healthy immune function.
- Preventive Measures
Some preventive measures helped me to boost my immunity. Maintaining good hygiene, and healthy travel habits were among few. I consumed clean water and used face masks while being exposed to public places. I cooked my food thoroughly to kill germs.
- Consulting Healthcare Professionals
My doctor assessed my individual health status, lifestyle, and medical history. He provided recommendations tailored to my specific needs in almost all genres. The guidance proved valuable to my rare disease and immune system.
Patients struggling with any disease, whether rare or ordinary, have one thing in common – their desire to regain health and fitness.
Apart from physical aspects, there were hidden areas that I worked on to get positive results:
- The foremost step was to accept this catastrophe with a positive attitude. A positive attitude has a lot to do with good health and immunity.
- I found it important to educate myself and my family about the disease.
To Conclude
Building a strong immune system is a way of life and a gradual process. It goes beyond supplements, powders, and superfoods.
The secret lies in making necessary lifestyle dietary changes. It is always healthy to opt for solutions that are natural, unprocessed, and seasonal.
Frequent sickness could have a range of causes. It could even include any underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease. Treating the condition may reduce the frequency of illness.
There is so much our body goes through daily. It comes in contact with several pathogens yet fights against them to keep us healthy. It does that by releasing antibodies. Immunity keeps us protected from some of the most dangerous diseases.
A person with a weak immune system can take several steps to keep themselves healthy. With time it gets even tougher to maximize their immune function. Whereas a strong system has several benefits including possible protection against dangerous diseases.
It is important to consult healthcare professionals and have regular check-ups and monitoring.
A strong immune system is the way forward to saving lives and a healthy peaceful mind.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
