How Amy is successfully dealing with her Systemic Lupus Condition through her faith and her Significant Other Support
How Amy Copes with Lupus. In summary, Amy is coping with her Lupus. It isn't easy. She's finding out daily it's far from impossible to survive with Lupus.Note: This is one woman's coping. It's not meant to be a general statement on every person's way of dealing with this disability."> Preliminary note: Amy is an alias privacy reasons. She is a real woman. She and I have been long time dear friends
First a little primer on Lupus. Lupus is a chronic anti-inflammatory, auto-immune disease. There are basically two forms, discoid and systemic. The former is characterized by a rash across the cheeks and nose. It is butterfly shaped and makes the person look somewhat wolf like. Lupus wolf in Latin.
Amy has the second much more serious type. This version attacks mostly women of child bearing age. It can adversely affect all systems of the body> Mostly like joints, liver, kidneys and nervouse system. She was in her mid thirties when she was diagnosed. I remember her reaction. She was greatly distressed, in tears, deeply worried about her future. Her lover, Joanna of over two decades was there to comfort her. She still is there to be of help and care.
Amy takes medication to cope with her her joint inflammation and pain. Her prescription drugs are prescribed by her rheumatologist. Amy felt her specialist not only was quite knowledgeable about her condition but of equal importance he was a genuinely caring of her Unfortunately he is retiring soon. She hopes and prays that she finds a doctor that is as knowing and caring as him.
"My faith gives me hope and strength." she truly believes. Primarily faith helps me with my condition."
Without faith I would have not made it this far. With the lupus you also have depression." You do have mood swings. This can also be a side affect of the medication.
Her current symptoms are lots of joint pain, trouble walking. Sometimes she is able to get around and sometimes not. She can get very fatigued. Joanna helps her spirtually, lovingly and emotionally.
I look for the rest of my future as being bright because I came to the realization that I must cope with my condition for the rest of my life. I was in denial in the beginning. Now I realize Lupus is a life long condition.
She tries her best to avoid rain and snow since dampness can worsen her condition. She also makes wholehearted attempts not to get to get too stressed out. Amy copes with her Lupus with a strong faith and equally with help and love from Joanna.
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