Wellness

[Perkup]

My next door neighbor's daughter - just finished her Freshman year in college - has been suffering with Hives recently. Taken to a doctor and having had blood work done, she has been diagnosed with Lupus. Apparently her numbers were extremely high in the diagnosis. I would love to know a little more about this disease so that I can talk with my friend intelligently. I know I can Google it, and I have, but I'm more interested in personal information from those who have dealt with the disease personal or through someone special. Please tell me anything you can that might be helpful. I think her daughter will be 19 years this summer, and this seems quite young to have such a serious problem. They are devastated.

[pattypeep]

Prior to my retirement, I worked w/ a young woman w/ lupus. She was doing fairly well prior to my leaving the office six years ago; however, I understand that the Lupus has now affected her kidneys and she is on a transplant list. What I understood from her experience is that Lupus can effect a certain part of your body and won't really be known until that happens. I remember her having to occasionally go on a regiment of chemotherapy. It's horrible for your young neighbor. I pray that today's science can offer more of a positive outlook for curing this horrible disease.

[ahoymate]

webmd.com

[lolakimono]

My friend was diagnosed in HS. She has flare ups now and then but tries to eat well, manage stress, and take it easy. She lost her eyebrows and eyelashes and has had several courses of steroids when she has an attack. Recently she gave birth to her first child, although I'm not sure how many more she will be able to have.

[happycat]

I use to work with a woman who had to go on disability after being diagnosed with it. She didn't want to quit, she had a very good job, but her dr. told her she had to, for her health's sake. From what I understand, it affects people differently. My mother was told she had it a long time ago, one of the things she was told was to stay out of the sun. Then, she went to a specialist who did further testing and said she did not have it. Maybe it use to be hard to test for. That was a very long time ago.

I feel for your young neighbor. I hope things go as well as possible for her.

[Tissyanne]

Lupus affects different people in different ways. If it goes systemic, then it becomes especially dangerous, and is sometimes fatal. Steroids are often used to help control the symptoms, and unfortunately a lot of side effects come from these drugs. I wish her the best, and hopefully, she won't have a severe time.

[Big Sister]

Hives can be a precursor to an illness. They are not always from a food allergy. If you break out in hives, call your doctor.

[Desertdi]

I personally do not care to discuss my illnesses with the neighbors...............

[Lucky Charm]

My mothers neighbor has it. She is in her 90's. She looks very frail but is strong as an ox. Does all her yardwork and keeps house, car, garage and shed spotless. When she's outside she wears long sleeves, pants and a beekeepers hood to protect herself from the sun always.

[Perkup]

On 6/8/2014 Desertdi said:

I personally do not care to discuss my illnesses with the neighbors...............

I appreciate your point of view, and I sometimes agree. However, when a friend or neighbor comes to me for support, I want to help in any way that I can. She is seeing specialists, but needs someone to come home and share with. Her husband is deceased, and this is her fifth child of five. A tall, beautiful girl with violet eyes, golden brown hair and a genius IQ. Never made a B in her life. Always makes the best choices. Could model for anyone!!! On full scholarship to a major college in Engineering. It's a devastating blow to her, as well as the rest of her family.

I appreciate all of your comments - it makes me feel a little more familiar with a disease that has never affected anyone else I know personally. Thanks to all of you, and please remember this precious young woman and her mother in your prayers.