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Lupus is a disease which will impact your quality of life.  Sometimes the impact is not for the better.  Does this mean you should give up trying to live a full life?  In today’s episode, Gwen shares some of the things which impact your quality of life while living with lupus and how to handle them.    Get the book “Living Life with Lupus”: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.      Get your lupus mugs! https://www.thegwenalexander.com/the-online-store   How to connect with Gwen:  Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelupuslivingpodcast Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

In last weeks episode, Gwen shared her experience with having surgery.  In today’s episode, she shares her recovery journey and the weekly goals she set to help her.  Were there any lupus flares?  Were there any complications?  Take a listen to find out.    Get the book “Living Life with Lupus”:   Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.     How to connect with Gwen:  Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelupuslivingpodcast Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

Lupus and having surgery.  In today’s episode, Gwen shares what has happened in the past seven months of her life.  She talks about the unexpected surgery she had and what led to this.    Get the book “Living Life with Lupus”:   Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.     How to connect with Gwen:  Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelupuslivingpodcast Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

Is there such a thing s living a normal life?  In today’s episode, Gwen shares more “lupus normal” life activities that people living with lupus deal with.  The lupus journey contunes.   Get the book “Living Life with Lupus”: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.     How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com YouTube: https://bit.ly/LupusLivingPodcastYouTubeChannel Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

Saying no and setting boundaries can be hard.  When you have lupus, this is a skill we learn to manage our symptoms.  In today’s episode, Gwen shares two books that have helped her deal with being a codependent person.  These books set the foundation to be able to say no when needed and set boundaries in relationships to help her stay as mentally and physically healthy as possible.    Books mentioned in the podcast: Codependent No More-How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself (Melody Beattie) Love Is A Choice-Recovery for Codependent Relationships   Get the book “Living Life with Lupus”: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.     How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com YouTube: https://bit.ly/LupusLivingPodcastYouTubeChannel Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

Living with a chronic illness is hard; its even harder trying to describe what it's like to live with it. In this episode of the Lupus Living Podcast, Gwen shares what listeners wish you knew about living with this disease. Get the book “Living Life with Lupus”: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com YouTube: https://bit.ly/LupusLivingPodcastYouTubeChannel Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

Romantic relationships can be complicated.  Throw in a chronic illness and it gets more complicated.  In this episode of the podcast, we talk about topics of being single and dating with lupus.  Also, how lupus affects long term romantic relationships.   

People living with lupus have the power to be invisible.  Lupus is known as an invisible disease because many of the symptoms can not be seen on the outside.  Many of us living with lupus are also good at hiding our symptoms.    In today’s episode, you’ll find out what we can learn from the X-Men characters how to live with an invisible “superpower.”  Get the book “Living Life with Lupus”: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

Trigger Warning:  Today’s episode I cover discuss death and estate planning, domestic violence and issues pertaining to end-of-life decisions.  If any of these topics are difficult for you to listen to, I recommend skipping this episode or listen at a time you feel you are ready to deal with these topics.  In today’s episode, the subject of estate planning will be covered.  Gwen will share what she has learned by being an executor of an estate and from working in the financial industry for over 20 years.  Article from Lupus.net  Lupus.net/complication-comorbidities   Get the book “Living Life with Lupus”: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.     How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way

Are you an active patient or passive patient when it comes to your doctor visits?  Being a passive patient isn’t a negative but it could hamper your doctor in working with you to make decisions about your lupus care.  In today’s episode, Gwen shares the importance of taking an active role in your healthcare.  Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

Lupus and comfortable are not two words that are usually used together.  In today’s episode, Gwen shares how having her blood drawn helped her realize she’s in a comfortable place with lupus.   Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thegwen1685 Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

It is possible to accomplish your goals and live a life with lupus.  It may take some work, but it can be done.  In today’s episode, Gwen shares an article by Meghan Beaudry on how to accomplish your goals despite having lupus.  Article by Andrea Beaudry: https://lupus.net/living/accomplish-goals  Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thegwen1685 Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way.   

What comes to mind when you hear someone had shingles?  Two words to describe shingles is lots of itching and pain.    In today’s episode, Gwen shares how she mistook the symptoms of shingles for a lupus flare.  Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thegwen1685 Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way.   

Today’s episode is a bonus episode.  It’s about a type of exercise called Low Intensity Steady State or LISS for short.  Gwen shares the episode from The Losing Weight to Gain Control Podcast.  The information provided gives another option for those living with lupus to try and stay active.  Visit the Lupus Living Merchandise Online Store: https://teespring.com/stores/the-lupus-living-store Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast/ Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way.     

One aspect of lupus is dealing with pain.  That could be joint pain, muscle aches or headaches.  In today’s episode, Gwen shares how she deals with pain and also when it’s time to talk to your doctor about it.  Visit the Lupus Living Merchandise Online Store: https://teespring.com/stores/the-lupus-living-store   Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast/ Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way.   

When a train gets off track it is not a good thing.  This is same with our lives; when we get off track it may feel like it’s never going to get better again.  In today’s episode, Gwen shares how her life got off track and the help she is receiving to get back on track.  Listen for some encouragement to help your life get on track.    Purchase a Lupus Living shirt, mask and other merchandise.  https://teespring.com/stores/the-lupus-living-store   Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way.

Have you had to say no to someone because of a lupus flare?  Have you said no to going to an even because you were afraid of a lupus flare?  We should never feel guilty for saying no to something we don’t want to do.  Saying no when you have lupus, brings a type of guilt because it feels like we are always saying no.  How do you handle lupus guilt?  Gwen shares three things she does to stop the guilt.  Get The Lupus Living Podcast Merchandise: https://the-lupus-living-store.creator-spring.com/   How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thelupuslivingpodcast Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way.   

May was lupus awareness month.  Gwen encouraged those living with lupus to share their story and spread the word of how it affects their life.  In today’s episode, Gwen shares two opportunities she was given to share how lupus changed her life.  Purchase a Lupus Living shirt, mask and other merchandise.  https://teespring.com/stores/the-lupus-living-store Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.     How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thegwen1685 Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of the guests are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

Today’s episode is a continuation of applying for disability benefits when you have lupus.  The topics covered are what is SSDI and SSI; how to set up your account with the Social Security Administration and when is it time to hire a lawyer.  Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus. The Lupus Living Store: http://bit.ly/lupuslivingstore    How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thegwen1685 Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of any guest are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way. 

There may come a point after your lupus diagnoses you may not be able to work.  What do you do for money if you are in this situation?  In today’s episode, Gwen shares how the process of applying for disability works and what you need to know to get approved.  This part one of a two part series.  Get the book “Living Life with Lupus” on Amazon: Living Life with Lupus-A Guide to Living A Full Life While Having Lupus.   The Lupus Living Store: http://bit.ly/lupuslivingstore How to connect with Gwen: Email: gwen@thegwenalexander.com Website: thegwenalexander.com/lupus-life-podcast Facebook: facebook.com/lupuslivingpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/thegwen1685 Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only.  The opinions of any guest are their own.  The host of the podcast is not a medical professional.  You should consult with your doctor or medical professional before you make any changes that may affect your health in any way.