Hello everyone,
For my May 1st post we will be talking about some of the questions people ask when it comes to talking about Lupus. There have been so many questions that sometimes are hard to explain when it comes to the question of ” What is Lupus”? Or “How Do You Feel”? This is where answering can definitely be difficult. Through out this post we will talk about the types of questions you or your loved one’s get asked and how we can answer those questions to the best of our abilities.
The Questions:
One of the biggest questions I get from other people is “What is Lupus”? Sometimes you have to stop and think of what is the fast way to explain it with out getting so scientific that you loose them. Some do not understand why you can not stay out in the sun long at all, constantly hurting and feeling tired, or getting or feeling sick very often. Some of the other most common questions that are asked once someone finds out that Lupus is what you have is “How Are You Feeling today”? “Do you need anything”? And my most cringy question is…”Why do you work, cant you just go on Disability”?
The ” Answers”:
In line with the first question talked about above which is What is Lupus? My fast answer and mostly the easiest way to explain Lupus is ” You know how you have red blood cells and white blood cells, and your white blood cells protect your body against “Foreign objects” or infections, well my body see’s itself as an infection and fights its self, which leads me to feeling fatigued, sick and in pain most days” When I am in a flare a Butterfly Rash which is one of the most common signs of your Lupus not being “Quiet” will usually show up across my face. Now, yes this may not be the correct way to explain it, but oddly enough this is how my first doctor who properly diagnosed me, explained it to me.
When people ask how I am feeling or if I need anything, I greatly appreciate it but sometimes, it can make you feel like they see you as helpless or like they need to be so attentive to your every need. The most important thing to try and remember is you are a fighter and you can totally handle the sometimes many road blocks that Lupus can throw at you!
The ” Cringy Question” to me at least is “Why do you work, cant you just go on Disability”? While yes there are some who do have to do this because their Lupus is worse, but how I explain to those who ask this question is by simply saying, ” maybe one day I might have to, but right now, today I am doing great and I don’t feel that my Lupus has effected me to the extent of not being able to work”. Plus for me, if I were to sit home everyday and not work, be around people or have someone to talk to I would get severely depressed and that may make my Lupus flare worse.
The Big Question:
My question to you my friends, is how do you answer questions about your lupus and your abilities? Do you find it hard to find the correct way to explain it? And finally do you have a certain question that makes your cringe?
I hope you all have a wonderful night and stay tuned for more! Remember you are strong, powerful and you got this <3
