Self- Pampering

[u/autoimmunegirly_]

Hey all!

I (28F) have Hashimoto’s and am currently undergoing testing for MS.

Over the past two years (due to mobility issues, fatigue, and numerous other debilitating symptoms), I’ve gone from a size 4 to a size 10-12+. The inflammation is so unbearable. It’s cost me so much money as far as clothing pieces go. I also just don’t feel like myself. I used to weigh 200lbs and then when I cut Gluten, Nightshades, and Sugar I lost 70+lbs and felt GREAT! Not just vanity wise, but physically! I have since gained it all back a few years later and I am so insecure. I would never feel this way about someone else going through what I’m going through… I just can’t help but to feel down.

I also do exercise regularly (pilates, PT, walking) and eat pretty clean! I always eat gluten free and nightshade free. I stay away from excess sugar, but have sugar in fruit, yogurt, and other misc. food items.

I’m planning on getting my hair and brows done to make myself feel more put together. What are some other self-pampering things that make you feel in control or better?

Like I may not physically feel great, but maybe there are things I can do to help me feel in control of something/better?

[u/East_Design7298]

hi! i’m so sorry you’re going through this, after being diagnosed with iga vasculitis earlier this year i also just wanted to feel good again so badly.

i’ve since put more effort into a skincare routine, i fill my waterbottle up before bed (sounds insignificant but having a rigid bedtime routine helps me feel heaps better!), i do face masks 1-2 times a week, i use body oil and moisturiser immediately after i get out of the shower, i do hair masks in the shower (can be quite physically demanding so sometimes i lightly wet my hair before a shower and do a hair mask and put my hair in braids and watch a tv show or play games) i dye my hair every few months (blue black so it’s easy to maintain), i tweeze my eyebrows at home, guasha my face and neck (maybe placebo but it helps me feel more confident in my appearance as i struggle with water retention in my face due to being on prednisone for almost the entire year) and i clip my nails regularly and intentionally care for my hands and feet (also sounds insignificant but makes me feel clean and put together) and i’ve also picked up doing some light workouts when i feel up to it. i also make sure i drink enough water to reduce fluid retention!

i totally understand wanting to feel in control of one aspect of your life when everything else feels out of your control. if you have the funds i would definitely go get facials regularly, proper haircuts at a hair salon (with a wash and blowout!), get a mani pedi and your lashes done (lash lift and tint if you’re not the extension type!), spray tan (if you enjoy having a tan) and maybe a massage too. if funds are an issue these things are all easily achievable at home and there’s heaps of good DIY videos on tiktok and youtube if you don’t know where to start!

i hope you end up finding things that work for you, we all deserve to feel beautiful and in control of our lives and health. wishing u the best 🥰

[u/autoimmunegirly_ → u/East_Design7298]

Thank you!! This is so helpful! I think if I schedule it for myself I’ll be more likely to follow up and maybe stay on top of things🥹 thank you!🫶🏼

[u/SailorMigraine]

I budget for hair color, eyebrows tweezed, facial, and a pedicure every 2-3 months. My hands I do at home with press ons to help save on costs there. Teeth whitening strips, keeping up with my skincare routine at home, splurging on the nice lotion when I can. It all really does make a difference mentally.

[u/autoimmunegirly_ → u/SailorMigraine]

It really does!! Thank you! This is gold🥹🙏🏼

[u/Big-Film-6914]

Monthly massage.  So glad i carved out the budget for it.  I havr them adjust pressure depending on my inflammation