This is a well-written insight report about LUPUS FLARES by a lupus a patient. I am sure many of you can relate to this. ********************************************************************************** DEALING WITH LUPUS FLARES The wolf has found me. That stupid relentless wolf (AKA lupus) waited for me to let my guard down to wage its attack. I thought I had hidden well enough. I’ve been getting as much sleep as my work, children and life will allow, eating right and avoiding all of my known triggers. But I got too comfortable; too relaxed. One of the toughest things about a lupus flare is when you realize it’s happening and your mind starts to look for clues as to what triggered it, as if finger pointing at a cause will provide some justice. Then your heart fills with fear about the type of health crisis it will cause this time. For me it is my kidneys this time, and I am afraid. But fear and finger pointing and (well-deserved) self-pity doesn’t do anybody any good. The wolf seems to smell fear and I know that the best option is to handle whatever comes with grace and tenacity, qualities I have come to demand of myself. I can get through this. You can too. We can do this together, for there is strength in numbers. With lupus, we are dealing with what seems like a wild, unpredictable animal, but sometimes simply knowing you are not alone in the struggle is enough to lift your dragging spirits and bolster your resolve to fight the wolf and regain control of your body and your life. HOW I MANAGE WHEN A LUPUS FLARE STRIKES When I know a flare is underway, I try to diminish its strength with extra sleep and lots of fluids (water with lemon to help flush out the body and decrease inflammation). I also drink a special ‘tea’ made with a cup of hot water, two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar, half a teaspoon of turmeric (a seasoning known for anti-inflammatory benefits) and a teaspoon of raw honey. I eat more veggies. Lots of fresh broccoli and cauliflower seem to give me a boost of energy. I limit caffeine. This is not what I typically do, for those who know my love of coffee, but I try to keep everything as healthy and balanced as possible when in a flare. Consult my doctor. There are times your doctor can help calm some of the pain and shorten the flare with a prescription. Prednisone, for example, might be needed to curb the attack if it is focusing on a major organ or your joints. Prednisone is a corticosteroid and helps treat the inflammation and suppress the immune system. Ask for help without guilt — and then actually accept it. I am terrible at this, I admit. I feel guilty asking for any assistance or support I need. In my first marriage, support was not offered and when it was requested, I was told what a burden I was. I am remarried and one would think I could let that voice in my head go, but I still hear it. I say again, for both you AND myself, ask for help. Focus on things that bring you joy. Sometimes a lupus flare takes time to pass. In the meantime, try and do the quiet things that you love. Read a good novel. Do a marathon of your favorite show on Netflix. Spend more time cuddling your kids or your pet. The most important aspect of getting through a lupus flare is taking care of yourself and keeping your faith. This too will pass. Try to focus on what matters, and know you are not alone. *************************************************************************************
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 23:48:47 +0000
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