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.
Hi,
I'm a 23 year old vet student and I was just diagnosed with lupus a month ago. I started having joint/muscle pain in the fall (the campus doctor told me not to worry, it was just stress) but then my knee began to swell and I began to have TMJ pain. I tested negative for both lyme and RA but finally tested positive for lupus. While it's great to finally have an answer, the timing's terrible. I moved halfway across the country to start vet school so I'm far from family/friends and I have finals in two weeks that I'm cramming for. I was wondering if any of you have advice on how to manage your symptoms during periods of high-stress? (I'm taking prednisone right now which is great...but I still notice that my symptoms are worse when I'm stressed and don't have a chance to work out.)
Any advice? Thanks!
I'm a 23 year old vet student and I was just diagnosed with lupus a month ago. I started having joint/muscle pain in the fall (the campus doctor told me not to worry, it was just stress) but then my knee began to swell and I began to have TMJ pain. I tested negative for both lyme and RA but finally tested positive for lupus. While it's great to finally have an answer, the timing's terrible. I moved halfway across the country to start vet school so I'm far from family/friends and I have finals in two weeks that I'm cramming for. I was wondering if any of you have advice on how to manage your symptoms during periods of high-stress? (I'm taking prednisone right now which is great...but I still notice that my symptoms are worse when I'm stressed and don't have a chance to work out.)
Any advice? Thanks!
deleted_user
Hi..I was dx'd with SLE over a year ago. I was started on Plaquenil then and it has worked fairly well. Stress is a big factor to keep you down so really all you can do is try to minimize it. i take B-complex too which are the anti-stress vitamins. Prednisone can bog you down too, so it's hard to know if it's the medication or the lupus. Rest is a good thing if you can afford the time to do it. I know you're esp busy with school. Ask your Doc about the plaquenil. Keep your chin up. You'll be in my prayers. Sorry if I couldn't help more. It's kinda hit or miss, esp in the beginning.
deleted_user
Hi Beth, prednisilone has certainly worked for my joint swelling and pain and has restored my mobility. I was on plaquenil with no real effects one way or the other so was taken off it. Every one has differing reactions to drugs, I do hope you can get the right combination. Managing stress is difficult, especially in your situation. Try to take time, even for a few minutes at a time, to de stress with whatever you enjoy. Good luck
deleted_user
you are going to have to ensure you take things easy when you are on prednisone because i can tell you it gets you right but you become really moody big time
deleted_user
If you have the time, you may want to try doing some yoga in the morning and evening. It really helps calm you down. Unfortunately, there's not too much us students can do about the stress. You should also try resting as often as possible. Drink some nice hot tea while you study.
deleted_user
i agree. stress was a big factor in my flare-ups. if i had to do things differently, I would do something that i love, exercise everyday and yoga has been big help and eat differently. Diet is also a big factor in lupus despite what other doctors believe. It has worked for me to recover. It will help you in your case control your lupus from getting out of control such as what happened to me. See a nutrionist if you can---and flaxseed oil and cod liver oil will help you a lot. I take 1 T of organic flaxseed oil every day before going to bed. This should help you keep your inflammation down. Avoid nightshade plants--french fries and ketsup, eggplant, etc Eat more whole fruits everyday as part of your diet, at least 1 cup of dark greens too.
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