Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect any organ of the body. There is no cure for the disease. It affects African Americans and those from Northern European heritage the most, but anyone can get it. Usually individuals between the ages of 20 to 30 get this disease.
Here is the breakdown of the percentages of what organs are affected the most:
- 25 percent have their eyes affected
- 35 to 50 percent have their respiratory system affected
- 90 percent have their lungs affected
- 25 percent have their skin affected
Each case is unique and it is hard to diagnose because each person experiences it differently. It is a complicated disease. Thankfully there are some treatments that help people through it.
Treatments for Sarcoidosis include:
- Immune suppressant drugs
- Anti-malaria drugs
- Steroids
Symptoms for Sarcoidosis Include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swollen legs
- Headaches
- Visual problems
- Weakness/numbness in arms, legs, or face
- Painful red bumps on legs or arms
- Discoloration of nose, cheeks, lips, and ears
- Scaly skin rash
- Joint pain
- Muscle swelling
The actor/comedian Bernie Mac was diagnosed with this disease in 1983 and he passed away from complications from this disease in 2008. His family started a foundation to help spread awareness about this disease to help others. I have included the link at the bottom of this article.
Many who suffer find exercise difficult because of the extreme fatigue. Experts recommend these things to help but exercise is the hardest to fulfill because of the fatigue.
Exercise Recommendations:
- Eat well
- Get 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Quit smoking if you are a smoker
- Manage your weight
- Exercise
I found a great blog from someone who suffers from Sarcoidosis and she recommends these tips for exercise:
- Take short walks
- Do gentle exercises such as, yoga and tai chi
- Let household chores count as exercise
- Incorporate movement in 10 to 15 minute intervals throughout your day
Exercise is important. I know. I know everyone, everywhere, says move your butt and you will feel better. It gets annoying. Being an independent and stubborn woman I concur the rebellion many feel towards exercise. However, it is true that it does make your life better. It won’t cure your illness, but it will make life easier to move through so you can do the things that you enjoy.
I know someone, her name is Karen Clemenson, who knows how to stretch and move the body well and gently. Wellness Works NW has a YouTube Channel so you don’t have to go to the gym and Karen is willing to exercise with you online if you want to have her as a personal trainer.
Call or text 360-447-8061 to make an appointment today!
#KeepMoving #WellnessWorks #WootWoot
Keep moving and be well.
Here are some links I would like to share with you:
- April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month by The Bernie Mac Foundation Staff
- April is Sarcoidosis Awareness Month by Maggie Hudson at Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
- Benefits of Physical Training in Sarcoidosis by B. Strookappe, J. Swigris, J. De Vries, M. Elfferich, t. Knevel, and M. Drent for US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
- Changing Tactics for National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month by Athena Merritt for Sarcoidosis News
- During April’s Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, Patients Have Additional Support from the American Lung Association and Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research by Allison MacMunn from American Lung Association
- Exercise capacity, muscle strength and fatigue in sarcoidosis by R.G.J. Marcellis, A.F. Lenssen, M.D.P. Elfferich, J. De Vries, S. Kassim, K. Foerster, M. Drent for European Respiratory Journal
- The Exercise Challenge for Individuals with Sarcoidosis by Kate Spencer for Sarcoidosis News
- Exercise Training in Sarcoidosis (EXTRAS Study) by University Hospital, Gasthuisberg Staff for U.S. National Library of Medicine
- National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Staff
- Understanding Sarcoidosis You Are Not Alone by American College of Chest Physicians
- What Do You Know About Sarcoidosis? by National Institutes of Health News in Health Staff
- What lifestyle changes can help treat sarcoidosis? by WebMD Staff
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Jamie Holloway is co-owner of Wellness Works NW and she is also our Research Manager and writes our Chasing Wellness with Jamie Holloway and Dear Jamie columns. Jamie is also an Independent Wellness Advocate at dōTERRA. She lives in the Portland, Oregon area. Since October 2011 she has been sharing her Journey Toward Health and Wellness with Vasculitis through her blog at JamieChasesButterflies.com. We hope you are as inspired as we are with the raw candor Jamie uses in her writing. If you would like to help support Jamie’s writing efforts please Donate now.
