My parents also read alot to familiarize themselves with the disease and worry alot about me. Naturally I have some really rough times but I think what makes them feel a little better is that they see me taking my medications, following up with routine visits with all my dr's and taking it easy when I need to. Sometimes they think I do to much but I constantly remind them that I love myself like they do and I will handle my life and disease responsibly. This often helps ease their minds. Sometimes fear of losing those we love is difficult to ease in the minds of those who care, but I remind them of the great medical advances that have been made.

I would say this, "Yes, I have a disease. Yes, sometimes it limits me. However, none of us know how or when we will die. I could die tomorrow crossing the street or falling out of bed. I prefer to focus on the life and time I have now because that's all any of us are guaranteed." then refer them to advances in treatments and get them some reading material - perhaps from lupus.org

I agree. As a parent, I would be worried sick. But, them freaking out doesn't make things better...they need to trust that you will take care of yourself. And yes, you could get hit by a bus, shot at school, or carried off by zombies - so could he. So, let all that go.

The best part of being diagnosed with Lupus? Yes, there is a good part of this - is that you have a name to all the hell you go through. You can now fight it, treat it, yell at it. Otherwise, you just have a bunch of doctors telling you you're nuts.

So, tell dad to let it go. And if it makes him feel better, give you a pile of money to go shopping.

Thanks all! I got him a book and just bring up any 'success' stories i hear, such a lady I met who's had lupus for 40 years and is still going strong. It's a slow process, but I think I'll get there.