Sunday, July 26, 2009

Today

I was driving in the car with some friends today when I saw a sign for the Lupus Foundation of America. I pointed it out to my friend in the car who knows I have lupus and she said she had been hearing ads on the radio. I have not heard these, but it makes me really happy that lupus is now getting recognition.

1 comment:

stef said...

Hey there -

I was diagnosed w lupus when I was 14 by mere coincidence. My sister was just entering college and SHE was diagnosed at that time so they figured "well, we better test the sister, too" and lo and behold....

It wasn't until I actually reached college that I got my first flareup. This is going to be a VERY trying time for you. Your friends will be drinking and partying, and "I'm sorry guys, my ribs really hurt" doesn't really compute as a valid argument for them. I'm 24 now and I didn't really understand how to take care of my body until about 6 months ago.

There are 3 things you really need to know about lupus in college:
1) You are NOT Superman. Yes, that extra shot WILL actually hurt you tomorrow. That all-nighter you "need to do" WILL cost you for the next month.
2) Your emotions are DIRECTLY connected to your health. Be selfish. That guy that's giving you the run-around? Just say "buh bye" because he's probably not worth your sanity and DEFINITELY not worth your health.
3) Have someone you can talk to that actually knows what you're going through. I had my sister and I don't really know what I would've done without her. You can always shoot me a question or a bitchfest if you'd like :-)

Best of luck and thanks for the blog!

stef