Lichen sclerosus: forget remission… focus on well-being

I have a confession to make. I saw my pelvic floor therapist earlier this week. She told me my tissues have improved in elasticity and look fantastic. She said that sometimes LS just burns itself out and people go into remission.

My first thought was that I’ve worked diligently these past 6 months since diagnosis to get here, so LS didn’t just “burn itself out”.

That’s not my confession. My second thought was how much I craved to hear the word remission from her. As if somehow, my pelvic floor therapist’s voice had power over my health.

Then I could display my remission like an award.

So, what’s up with remission and lichen sclerosus?

Why would we put that level of stress on ourselves?

When stress is already such a trigger for LS?

It’s not a competitive sport. It’s your health. While knowing the absence of active dis-ease, along with the restoration of tissues is what we’re working towards, let’s not put the burden of achieving remission on our shoulders.

Let’s focus, instead, on being well. Over this past month’s LS series, I’ve talked about stress, diet, breath, mental health, gratitude and even the chakras. There are myriad ways we can tend to our well-being.

While we are steeped in self-care and support from our specialists, perhaps remission will quietly sidle up next to us.

Or maybe, as my therapist remarked, LS will simply burn itself out.

Remission or not, tomorrow I will continue with my LS treatment practices. And probably every day after.

There is much we know about LS and still much we don’t know. We’re doing the best we can, so let’s give ourselves a break and not add pressure to our lives. Let’s also give ourselves credit for showing up each day and deepening our healing connection.

The title of this post was supposed to be Fuck remission, focus on well-being. But I said I wouldn’t drop any more f-bombs. 😉

I’ve done my best to share what I’ve discovered about LS since diagnosis. May it be of benefit to you.

This is day 30 of my month-long blogging to raise awareness about LS. Thank you for joining me. If you have missed any of the posts, you can find them on the blog homepage. Start here with What is lichen sclerosus?.

The book is now available! You can order it below.

I will continue to blog about health, wellness, LS and my musings on life (just not daily).

I wish you all the best and look forward to staying in touch.

Much love,

Stephanie

Pick up your copy of the newest published book on LS. Lichen Sclerosus: Body, Mind & Spirit Practices to Heal the Stress of LS.

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**This blog is meant to inform, not diagnose or treat specific health conditions. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Always consult your doctor or health care practitioner.