Lupus Support Group
Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.
I have had lupus for 22 years. It is difficult at times. That being said I do mange my lupus well. I eat healthy, lots of vegetables . non processed foods and I try to eat organic foods or foods free of any gmos. I take high grade vitmins. I try keep my life stress free as possible. Sleep is so important to my health. My sprituality and postive attitude have helped tremondously in this process. I thought it might be nice to discuss how we can help our selfs because there is no magic pill or solution.
Positive thinking won't cure us and it's certainly not the reason we got sick (not thinking positively), but it does help me deal with the day to day sense of loss and adjustment. I try to focus on what I CAN do, instead of what I cannot do any longer. And, during a flare, I write myself notes and put them somewhere I will see them that says, "This is only temporary. You WILL get better." It keeps me from feeling defeated.
Eating healthy is good for so many ills. sometimes that's difficult when nausea sets in, but I do the best I can with the whole diet thing.
Exercise - no I cannot run a marathon or even walk 2 miles, but I can do isometrics and stretch. Every little bit helps.
Having someone to talk to -but not about this disease. I found out the hard way that burdening my dearest friends and yes even family with my day to day struggles does nothing to help them understand what I go thru. Everyone has struggles and burdens in life. They don't burden me with their struggles on a daily basis. I shouldn't expect them to understand. There's no way they possible could understand - and I wouldn't wish this disease on them or anyone else. I DO expect them to respect my wishes (which my disease often dictates). I had to pass on going to an NFL game this past weekend because I cannot be in the sun that long - at that time of day. I didn't say that to my dear friend, what I said was, "You know, I can't got this time...but maybe next time. How bout we go out to lunch next week?" THAT I can do.
BTW That last thing was difficult for me to grasp, but once I did...I had WAY more peace in my life.