Hello

[Helena_Mitchell]

Hello I have just been diagnosed with SLE and am trying to come to terms with it and how it will impact my life, but I don't know if I should take a few days off work because I am feeling very overwhelmed and confused and emotionally stressed?

[RedLizzy]

We all handle these type of problems differently, so I cannot say you should or shouldn't. How have you handled similar situations in the past? If taking a break has worked for you before, maybe it is time for another. You need to get a game plan on how to fight this, do you have a good Rheumy with lots of Lupus experience, if not, time to find one. Always remember, you are in charge of your treatment, the doctor can only make suggestions, it is up to you to decide if you will follow his/hers suggestions. Do not let a doctor intimidate you into doing something you are not comfortable with, find another doctor that respects your wishes. Take your time in deciding what path to take as it can make a big difference. Wishing you the best!

Liz

[Hidden]

I would say yes - have a few days off - treat it like a bereavement and spend as much of that time as you need to reading up, working things out, being kind to yourself.

Then, once this block of time is over, try to look forward and hopefully you will quickly learn to accommodate Lupus, but not allow it to define you or rule your life.

[Wendy39]

Hello. I remember that feeling very well. I didn't take time off work but I wish I had. I did find it difficult to hide my emotional state from colleagues at times. Probably because I was suffering from depression and anxiety - symptoms of Lupus - all of which I didn't realise at the time. Plus I'd lost 2 family members 6 months apart and then found out my Dad was dying and didn't have long. So loss, grief and a lupus diagnosis all within 11/12 months. It is a lot to get your head around. And it is overwhelming. I had never heard of Lupus before and it scared me. The unknown. I was scared for myself and for the effect on my family. I worried about whether my three children were at risk. So many fears and unanswered questions. Lupus can be a roller coaster ride. So ask your GP for some time out, so you can take this news in and find the strength to move forward. Like you, I immediately became a member here and of Lupus UK. I bought books from their online shop about lupus and read them. I read other people's posts and posted myself. I even wrote a piece for a blog for Lupus UK / Health Unlocked about being diagnosed, which was quite therapeutic. I keep a daily diary of my symptoms and how my day has been. I take photos of my rashes and skin problems. All of which are useful for medical appointments. We all have our own ways of dealing with this on a daily basis. I like being informed and pro-active. Whereas I know someone locally with lupus who doesn't google or read or research. She prefers not to know. We are all so different. You will find your way, in time. The advances in medication since the 1960s mean this isn't a death sentence. We have normal life expectancy. People with lupus and the right meds etc can led normal lives. Hold down jobs. Be wives. Be dads. Be girlfriends. Be mums. Be happy with their lives. In the early days, I also reminded myself, that as far as illnesses were concerned, lupus was better than a lot of other terminal or chronic conditions. So be patient with yourself. Look after yourself. And please ask us for help and advice. We've all been there. We want to help others. Best wishes.

[Hidden]

I agree with RedLizzy, we are all very different. I felt alittle relieved as I had been trying to find a reason for my symptoms for such a very long time. You need to do what you think is best. Take time to be good to yourself. Nothing is more important than your health and work needs you fit so they may have to understand you condition moving forward. You may find that you have good and poor times and you will get to understand your own condition over time. Keep in touch.

[nanleighh]

Hello Helena, I remember feelings of disbelief and it really took a long time to sink in. You've gotten excellent advise already. I would just add learn to care for yourself. That is still a work in progress for me. I give so much to my family that sometimes I have nothing left. We really need to learn to put our health first. Welcome to the forum. There are wonderful people here.

[Fabgran]

Hello and Welcome 💐

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Helena_Mitchell,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK HealthUnlocked Community!

Using an online sociable forum such as this one gives you the opportunity to connect with other people who have lupus and can help relieve the worries you may have by hearing other peoples’ experiences. We offer a free information pack that contains simple yet, informative literature about lupus which you can download or request here: lupusuk.org.uk/request-info....

If you want someone to speak to, we have local LUPUS UK contacts that cannot give medical advice but are there as a listening ear to offer support and advice over the telephone. These contacts mostly have lupus themselves and are volunteers. If you would like more information on having a local contact to speak to, as well as information on support group meetings you can email me at [e-mail]

If you are currently feeling overwhelmed and stressed then it may be best to speak with your doctor and see if they will write you a note for a few days leave. Stress can be an important trigger for lupus, so it is important not to push yourself too hard. We have a couple of booklets which may be helpful for you when you are returning to work. You can read and download them at lupusuk.org.uk/working-with... or if you need physical copies posted to you, just email your name and address to me at [e-mail].

Wishing you all the best, let us know how you get on.

[nmcleod]

Hi sweet.your shocked at being told you have S.L? E.is Normal. Likelady said it is not Terminal.

Be strong!!!!! You beat itDont let itbeat you.all thebest.Norma.x