How to Cope With Having Lupus

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Make sure you have the right doctors and keep up with them.

   Lupus patients generally have a variety of doctors, including a rheumatologist (for joints).
   
   It is essential that you keep your doctors well informed.
   
   If you don't get along well with one doctor, then find one that you do get along with.
2. 2

   Step 2: Learn as much as you can about Lupus.

   Ask your doctor lots of questions and read up about it online.
   
   A good website to start is the Lupus Foundation of America, as listed below. , Get enough sleep.
   
   Drink enough.
   
   Eat enough.
   
   Remember to take some time to relax. , Learn to recognize signs of flare ups.
   
   If you start to feel ill, try to figure out what is causing it (sun? stress? working too hard?) so that you can avoid it.
   
   Also, if you recognize that you are having a flare, you can tell your doctor so that it gets under control before it gets out of hand. , If you have questions or concerns, call your doctor.
   
   Don't worry about "bothering them over something minor"
   
   you have a serious illness and it's their job to help you with your health.
   
   It is better to ask too often than not enough. , The majority of lupus patients are photosensitive (sensitive to UV or sunlight).
   
   Wear sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure. , Try to take things one step at a time and not overdo it. , They may have a difficult time understanding the disease and coping with the fact that you have it.
   
   Try to keep them well informed. , It is common that people have a hard time understanding that you are ill.
   
   Try to educate them about lupus.
   
   Send them a link to a lupus website or give them a book about lupus to read. , If you are having difficulty coping, you may want to consider seeing a psychiatrist, joining a support group (internet based or in real life), and talking to your doctor about it. , If you don't want them telling everyone about it, tell them so.
   
   It is normal for a person to want to keep his/her medical information private.
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   Step 3: Take care of yourself.

4. 4

   Step 4: Pay attention to your body.

5. 5

   Step 5: Talk to your doctor.

6. 6

   Step 6: Coping with lupus may require a lifestyle change.

7. 7

   Step 7: Keep in mind that stress can cause flare ups.

8. 8

   Step 8: Be aware that having lupus can be difficult for family and friends as well.

9. 9

   Step 9: Lupus is difficult to see.

10. 10

    Step 10: Most importantly

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    Step 11: it can be difficult for YOU to deal with.

12. 12

    Step 12: Set boundaries with family and friends about who they talk about it with.

Detailed Guide

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