Over the past year since my diagnosis, many things have changed in my life. I am a bit hard headed and somewhat stubborn, so many things changed in spite of me.....
My rheumie prescribed cymbalta for me after my fibro diagnosis, and it was not for me.... On my next visit, he felt that my lupus was improving, and the lingering fatigue and pain were more from the Fibro and prescribed Savella. After my experience with the Cymbalta, I was determined the Savella wasn't going to work either and I wasn't even going to try it. My husband insisted I try it. After a month or so, I am feeling less fatigued.
I decided to change my eating habits and cut out all processed foods, white sugar and flour. A dear friend had suggested I start adding more vegetables into my diet and crowd out the processed foods. Once I started to 'try' and find out I liked more veggies than I thought, it was easier to take the plunge and cut out all the processed foods out of my life entirely.
Lupus made me understand just how much I am responsible for my own health and well being. Yes it is a chronic illness but it is up to me how disabled I allow it to make me. In spite of aches pains fatigue and a bazillion other things you are only as disabled as you let your self be
Lupus has helped me to be more understanding of others ups and downs. I always prided myself on being self-sufficient and felt that "everyone" could do it if they just wanted it bad enough. And while I still know people that will do anything not to do anything, there are others that want to do more and simply can't. Empathy is a powerful thing.
Dittoto all of the above. I have learned to be appreciative of each day, each person, and even each moment. I was always a positive person, sort of perpetually cheerful “normally”, and greatful for the small things on life. I had no idea how much I took for granted until Lupus showed me. I love life, and I slow down to appreciate it. I am greatful to Lupus for teaching me to be forgiving of myself. To simply say it is okay that I have to say no. That I for once am not the person that has to do everything. Nope. No more. Mindy is not able, and that is okay. No need to feel guilty for not being able to do something. Then of course, it caused so much empathy for those who can’t do. Not just like us, but less or even more. We are more than who we thought we are.
That a positive attitude really helps how you feel as well as all the people around you. Keeping a positive attitude really helps me get through the days. My one doctor told me that my positive attitude is whats keeping me going and out of the hospital. I have also had to learn to slow down and take care of myself before other things.
Lupus has helped me to understand that there are just some battles that aren’t really with the fight when it comes to the big picture.
Lupus has helped me understand that having a perfectly spotless house isn’t a necessity.
Lupus has helped me to slow down and enjoy every moment (this now means that I’m the worlds worst person to take road trips with because I have to pull over to pick wild flowers from the side of the road or take pictures of every old barn or interesting tree we pass lol).
Lupus has helped me to understand that asking someone for help isn’t a sign of weakness and that most people are inherently good and will help without hesitation.
But most of all lupus has proven to me how STRONG I really am.
I really like your post. Lupus has taught me the same thing. It is really true that empathy is very powerful. Somedays I look fine but feel awful. Excess noise just makes my head pound. Talking makes my throat sore. My whole body aches. External factors that don't bother other people really take a toll on me. So, if I don't respond in a happy-go-lucky way, it's because I am really just struggling to get through the day. When I have a good day, on the other hand, and interact with someone who doesn't respond politely or just seems rude, I am kind to them and try to cheer them up by not judging and maybe making a small joke. Who knows what they are feeling or what they have been through that day. It doesn't bother me as much when people are rude or inconsiderate. I have been there and was doing the best I could at the time. Great point. It is OK to not be at your best for people all the time, and it's ok to understand the same from others. This took me a long time to understand, as I have always been one to go above and beyond with everything and expected the same of others. With Lupus, you simply can't, if you do you will suffer the consequences.
whathappensinvegas said:
Lupus has helped me to be more understanding of others ups and downs. I always prided myself on being self-sufficient and felt that "everyone" could do it if they just wanted it bad enough. And while I still know people that will do anything not to do anything, there are others that want to do more and simply can't. Empathy is a powerful thing.
I’ve learned that its ok to say “no”. Actually I’m probably still working on that. As a mom and a wife I always feel like I have to take care of everyone else and it’s usually at my own expense. Someone told me “the best way to take care of your children is to take care of their mother”. I try to remember that!