Lupus Awareness Month Stress and Pain

 Hi Everyone!

It's 

Before I get started I was asked how long I have had lupus. I had symptoms as far back as 5 years old. I wasn't diagnosed until 1999. Yeah, that sucks too.  

 

There is so much going on for lupus in the US and around the world. I wish I could attend the gatherings, the walks, the balloon releases, and the meetings. Every state has something going on and this year it's all about hope. Hope for new research, hope for new medicines, hope for a cure.

It's what we hang onto.  

 Because lupus is killing us.

The everyday pain can be anything from a migraine, to pain in the hands and feet, to stomach pain, chest pain, and on the really bad days pain that radiates the entire body. Your skin hurts, your eyeballs hurt, and it hurts to move. It can last a few hours, a few days, a few weeks, and even forrrrr ever.

The main reason for lupus pain is systemic inflammation. Lupus sets the immune system to produce antibodies that damage tissues, causing widespread inflammation. A few months ago lupus attacked my large intestine. You can see how huge it is in the ex ray. On the other side you can't see my intestine at all. It's that shadowy space inside the black lines.

The pain with this just about sent me to the ER. However, I know from experience that I would not be medically treated properly. My new PA is very good though and put a rush on some meds that helped. A very powerful cortisone with pain relief and a medication to calm my intestines. It's why I had to take some time off from blogging.

 So you see lupus can attack anywhere in the body.

What triggers flares that cause pain and skin rashes? It can be ANYTHING from daily stress, to the change of seasons, to eating wrong, (even though there is NOT a special diet for lupus) You can be having a great day, with laughter and fun and lupus will steal that too. 

We live knowing that each day will bring on new challenges. Challenges that may upend the day, or a planned outing. 

Every day I have to judge my body and my brain to see what I will be able to do. 

 

Now with all of that written above, I want you to know that I live my life to the fullest. I don't allow lupus to be in charge. Even if I'm feeling like crap. 

And so are all of the other people who live with lupus. 

If you suspect you have lupus contact your health care provider and ask for lupus blood work, that's where you start. 

 

Nicole