"Fear and Loathing in Autoimmunity: A Totally Not-Obsessive Guide!"

Ah, the joys of living with an #autoimmune condition...

It's like having your very own unpredictable, #invisible roommate who loves to throw surprise parties in your body at the most inconvenient times.

Over the next few week I will be talking and posting about #avoidingtriggers and navigating social obligations, family gatherings and #holidayevents that are just around the corner. All it takes is one meal to throw us off for weeks sometimes. Or maybe we stay up too late and get up too early and get into a cycle of #exhaustion that can take months to #reset. Some things you can't wiggle out of, some things, you REALLY want to go to... Keep watch on our #instagram page @redtreelife for the #dailyposts on this topic and check for our #FridayBlogDrop every week.

Let's dive into the thrilling world of constant vigilance and second-guessing, shall we?

First up, #mealplanning!

Who needs boring old food pyramids when you can play " #AutoimmuneRoulette " with every bite? Is that kale salad a nutritious choice or a one-way ticket to Flare City? Only time (and your rebellious immune system) will tell! “Will this delicious-looking cupcake ignite a flare that feels like I’m auditioning for a horror film?” Sorry, cupcake, your sprinkles have been deemed a potential hazard. Every meal becomes a complex equation of #ingredients, with the potential flare-ups looming around every corner like a bad reality show #plottwist. You thought you were just having dinner? No, you’re in the middle of a #culinarythriller where the stakes are your #gastrointestinalpeace.

#Wardrobe choices become a fascinating exercise in sartorial strategy.

Forget #fashiontrends; we're all about the "Will This Still Be Comfortable If I Suddenly Feel Like I've Been Hit By A Truck?" collection. #Elasticwaistbands and #loosefitting tops aren't just #clothes; they're #armor against the #unpredictable.

Now, it’s all about the #comfortfactors that could rival a toddler’s #pajamaparty—soft waistbands, #flowyfabrics, and #layers that can be stripped off faster than your sanity during a #flare. It’s no longer “Does this make me look good?” but rather “Will I be able to breathe if my symptoms decide to crash this party?” #Fashionpolice might knock, but give me soft fabrics over a runway model's stilettos any day!

Social plans? More like #socialmaybeplans.

We've mastered the art of the #noncommittal RSVP.

A veritable minefield of uncertainty with a side of #guilt. As you ponder plans for the weekend, it’s the classic game of “Am I feeling well?” After all, every invitation comes with a caveat subtle enough to make a politician proud. “Absolutely, I’d love to join, but… I can’t guarantee that I won't be curled up in a #fetalposition on my couch.” Who doesn’t love that thrill of uncertainty? It’s like living in a soap opera where you play the lead role but always have an exit strategy involving #snacksandNetflix.

"I'd love to come to your wedding next month! ...Probably. ...If my body doesn't decide to throw a #tantrum that day." It's not #flakiness; it's #advancedplanning with a dash of #optimism.

Travel becomes an exciting adventure in over-preparation.

Packing for a #weekendgetaway? Better bring enough medication, comfort items, and backup plans to survive the #apocalypse.

Because nothing says " #relaxingvacation " like lugging around a suitcase full of just-in-case scenarios. The excitement of a trip inevitably gets overshadowed by a #packinglist that would make an airliner proud.

Do I need a flare-up emergency kit? Yes.

An outfit contingency for a potential ‘I can’t put on pants’ moment? Double yes.

Throw in six different types of #medication and snacks to prevent a #meltdown, and suddenly, your cute weekend getaway feels more like prepping for a #lunar mission... Houston... we might have a problem?

Even the simplest daily tasks require a #riskassessment worthy of a #secretagent. Washing the dishes? Better stretch first and have a rest plan in place. You never know when that sponge might trigger a covert operation by your immune system.

Living in this constant state of "what if" is exhausting, but hey, at least we're never bored!

We've become #experts at reading our body's subtle (and not-so-subtle) hints. That twinge in your knee? Could be nothing, or it could be the opening act for a full-blown flare. Time to break out the detective skills and play "Name That Symptom"!

But fear not, fellow #autoimmunewarriors! Despite the daily tightrope walk, we find ways to live life to the fullest – just with a few more pit stops and strategic planning sessions. It's all about that delicate balance between seizing the day and not seizing up.

Remember, it's perfectly okay to prioritize your health. Saying no to that late-night party isn't being a party pooper; it's being a body whisperer. And resting isn't lazy; it's a strategic retreat to fight another day. The word " #no " is a complete sentence and requires no further explanation.

So here's to all of us navigating this wild, unpredictable journey. We may not have chosen this adventure, but we're rocking it with style (elastic waistbands and all). Stay strong, stay vigilant, and never underestimate the power of a good #nap. After all, in the world of autoimmune conditions, sometimes the most rebellious act is taking care of yourself.

#AutoimmuneWarriors #FlareUpRoulette #InvisibleIllnessVisibility #selfcareishealthcare #highgravitydays