I remember being a teenager and having a scrapbook for my ‘dream’ wedding. I had my type of wedding dress picked, who I thought would be my bridesmaids, the flowers and cake to whom I picked as my groom (back then I loved Pirates of the Carribean, so it was Johnny Depp who played Jack Sparrow). Back then I had all the energy in the world! I didn’t have the fatigue, and pain back then.
Now I have SLE Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and a Neurological disorder. Fatigue is a dominant symptom. Not only are fatigue and pain but, medication and money are also part of the journey, the medication can help with the specific illness but always come with side effects that most definitely gets ‘in the way’ of life, especially when planning the day, where you want to look and feel good, as well as being able to enjoy the whole day, without being too fatigued at the end of it all.
Medications side effects
- Weight gain
- Oily or dry skin
- Nausea/ vomiting
- constipation / diarrhea
- Mouth ulcers
- Fatigue / brain fog
- Susceptible to infection
- Dizzy spells / low or high blood pressure
- Rashes
- Muscle / generalised pain
The side effects go on and on… However, there are benefits to taking the prescribed medication
Medication benefits
- Stops your immune system from attacking it’s healthy organs.
- Decreases pain and swelling caused by rheumatic illnesses
- Improves mood and feelings of wellbeing
- Improves sleep patterns and increases energy
- Minimises pain
- Prevents a stroke, prevents blood clots
- Anti inflammatory
- Some can help with nausea and vomiting
- Treats headaches and tension feelings
Living off a Benefit: Weekly costs
- Prescriptions
- Travel to and from hospital/doctors appointments, friends
- Groceries — gluten, lactose free
- Daisy, kitten food- kitty litter, flea and worm treatment
- Bills- cell phone, internet and power/ rent
- Wedding
Let’s weigh up the negatives and positives, here are some questions to ask yourself
- What will be better in the long run, if I don’t take my meds?
- How can I save some money, are there?
- Can I ask my family support network?
- What can I do to stay as healthy as I can so I feel my best on ‘my’ wedding day? ( I have started to eat healthier, and started going to the local pool for regular hydrotherapy classes.)
