Mind, Body & Soul


Living life to the full… no matter what


Michelle Ulyatt, 38, runs her own public relations agency in Dover, working to raise the profile and protect the reputation of companies and organisations in the local area and further afield. Having been diagnosed with Lupus three years ago, she’s had to develop a new approach to balance work and home life. She shared her tips with Mid Kent Living…


How are you?


I’m feeling well and focusing on balancing life and work at the moment. It’s been a very busy start to the year, with the launch of my new business, Roch PR, and publication of my first book, Teodore Sorensen and the Kennedys, which tells the story of President Kennedy’s most trusted adviser and speechwriter. As a result, I’ve been very conscious that I need to spend as much of my free time as possible looking aſter myself and geting in some rest to keep well.


How is your health generally?


My health was always good up until my Lupus diagnosis, three years ago. I have always been quite an active person, who eats healthily and has lots of projects on the go. I’ve always worked really hard and had a wide range of interests to keep me busy. Since my diagnosis, I’ve definitely had to re-balance my priorities and make more time for rest and relaxation.


Have you ever had any major illnesses?


Yes. Following surgery to remove my gallbladder in 2015 I struggled to recover and went through more than a year of referrals to specialist consultants, undergoing a series of tests and tracking my symptoms and diet to identify the problem. I was eventually diagnosed with two auto-immune conditions – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Hashimoto’s Tyroidism. Essentially, my immune system mistakenly atacks its own organs, causing my thyroid to not function properly and leading to joint pain, fatigue and gastro-intestinal problems. I also have a variety of related food sensitivities, so have become much more careful about what I eat.


Do you take any medicines?


I’m currently on a combination of medicines to dampen my immune response, including Hydroxychloroquine, which is an anti-malarial drug that is oſten used to treat people with Lupus, and Levothyroxine to replace the thyroid hormones that my body is lacking. I also take pre-biotics to help keep my stomach bacteria in harmony and support my digestion.


Have you ever considered herbal remedies? Yes, I take an herbal remedy called iMove to help keep my joints supple and strong and I regularly use peppermint capsules to aid digestion and prevent acid reflux. I also try to eat a good balanced diet with plenty of greens. When I’m starting to feel a bit tired and run down, I usually turn to herbal teas to help support my immune system and to help me sleep.


Ever needed an osteopath or chiropractor?


I was involved in a minor car accident around 15 years ago which caused a small back injury. Having tried and failed to get relief through the usual medications, I booked a few appointments with a local chiropractor. It was a bit unnerving when the bones in my neck emited a very loud crack during the first therapy session! I really benefited from the sessions though and would recommend it to others who are struggling with back pain.


What, if any, exercise do you take? I run two to three times a week to keep as fit as I can and help prevent arthritic joints. I find that I generally feel more positive and energetic aſter


Mid Kent Living 47 Would you like to live forever?


No, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live on when everyone you love has gone. I’d rather focus on making the most of the time we have and geting out there learning new things, enjoying new experiences and having fun with my friends and family than wasting energy trying to find a way to outlive them all. I think one of the best life lessons you can learn is to live in the moment and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.


a morning run, ready to face the day ahead, as long as I pair it with a good soak in the bath to rest my muscles and revitalise myself. I do some light weights regularly throughout the week to help keep my joints strong and I’ve done the occasional yoga session to develop my core strength and help with relaxation. I’d like to be able to swim more but finding the time has been difficult so far this year. I think the biggest benefit I feel from exercising is the mental boost that it offers and the sense of achievement that I get when I hit my targets even if I wake up feeling a bit sore.


What are your vices?


I don’t have many, because my health issues mean I’m usually prety careful about what I indulge in, but I do enjoy a quality glass of wine – usually organic! Pair that with a lovely steak dinner and it’s the perfect Friday night in.


What is the best piece of health advice anyone has ever given you?


A former colleague was diagnosed with Lupus around 10 years before I got my diagnosis. She was a great support and had some fantastic advice about how to deal with the condition, what diet tips I should follow and how to get the medical support that I need. Te best advice she gave me was to find a good specialist to supplement the care I receive from my GP. Being able to talk to a doctor who really understands the condition and is always at the end of the phone or willing to help by email is a god-send.


I’d rather focus on making the most of the time we have and getting out there learning new things


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