I know what it is like to get a diagnosis that you have an autoimmune disorder. Each autoimmune disorder comes with its own set of symptoms and ways that it will affect your body. Therefore, I know that having a plan of “next steps” that you need to take after you get a diagnosis can be extremely helpful.

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Step 1. Learn all you can about your disorder.

Knowledge is power and this is not the time to put your head in the sand. You need to learn about how this disorder may or may not affect you. When you take the time to read about your disorder, don’t focus on the worst case scenarios. If you are getting your information from the internet, you may come across horror stories about autoimmune disorders that are scary and could make you fearful. Don’t fall into that trap. You have already had symptoms that led you to a diagnosis. Learn more about the symptoms you currently have and deal with any other symptoms that may develop in the future as they come along.

Step 2. Choose wisely who you will share your diagnosis with.

Choose a good friend who is a confidant, wise and a cheerleader. Speak with someone who will lift you up and speak positive words about you and your situation.

Step 3. Exercise!

Exercise is so important for you mind, body and spirit. There are many benefits to exercising and it is more important than ever after you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.

Exercise will…

1. help with weight loss.
2. help relieve stress.
3. help combat depression.
4. help you be creative.

My exercise of choice is walking. I have walked hundreds of miles with Leslie Sansone and this exercise makes me feel really good. If you have never walked with Leslie, you are missing out. She is fun, encouraging, inspirational and has a great walking program that is good for whatever level of fitness you are at.

Step 4. Clean up your diet.

Every illness on the planet can be improved or cured by eating healthy. I have been posting foods that will help with different autoimmune disorders. Many of the foods we should and should not eat are universal for living with autoimmune disorders and reducing flares and inflammation.

I used The Whole30 Diet or the Paleo Diet for a step-down program that helped me get rid of the foods that increased my inflammation and they helped put me on the path to a healthier me.

The I found Dr. McDougall and The Starch Solution. I have been using The Starch Solution for seven months and my itching is 90% relieved, my Raynaud’s has improved greatly. We have had temperatures in the 30’s and I my hands never turned white or blue and I didn’t use hand-warmers. I rarely get canker sores or sores in the corners of my mouth. I have learned that there are many ways I can get potatoes into my meals every day and they are very satisfying.

Step 5. Start reducing your stress.

Stress is an enemy to autoimmune disorders. When you get stressed you will increase the inflammation in your body which you may not see. Flares that are brought on by stress you can see. My flares are canker sores, thrush, itching, rashes, and extreme fatigue.

Your diet in step three will also help reduce stress.

So, as you can see you have work to do. But, don’t give up hope. I have a community of great ladies who are living with autoimmune disorders and we encourage and support each other. You are welcome to join us, so we can support you too. Here is the link to my Autoimmune Disorders group on Facebook.