So you've got Lupus..

[alicethomas95]

Hi everyone!

My name is Alice & I am 21 years old, and I've been diagnosed with SLE just a few weeks ago. I started off with ITP around the age of 13-17, and then had no problems mid last year when I developed a prolonged bleeding time, low clotting factor II, and then awful joint pain/stiffness/fevers/general feeling of being knackered and gross!

I moved and started a new job this January, and then finally after getting to a rheumotologist, got diagnosed. After a week on pred I feel 100x better, my joints have improved and my wellbeing in general just feels much lighter.

I am a keen runner/swimmer, and was wondering how people manage their exercise with their problems? I ran for the first time this week in about 3 months and it was brilliant, I just worry about when the steriods wear off and I have to wait for the anti-maleria drug to kick in.

Hope everyone is well/as well as can be,

Alice

[johare]

I would say that from my experience the steroids can give you a false sense of security. I would pace yourself and although you are despirate to regain your original routine, take it slow. Learn to read your body as we all have different signs of a flare. Running takes its toll on your joints so maybe something less high impact would be best at times.

[alicethomas95 in reply to johare]

I think you are right, I will stick to swimming and non-impact and listen to my body! Thanks for your advice

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Alice,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK HealthUnlocked Community and congratulations on your new job.

We offer a free information pack that contains factsheets, a summary guide of lupus and a list of LUPUS UK contacts and helplines that may be of use to you. To download or request this pack please click here: lupusuk.org.uk/request-info... .

Swimming is a great way to exercise as it reduces the strain on the joints compared to other methods of exercising. We published an article last year on lupus and exercise which you can read here: lupusuk.org.uk/lupus-and-ex....

It is advised to always consult your doctor/rheumatologist/physiotherapist before undertaking new exercise regimes to ensure you can gain the most out of them. Remember to listen to your body and to not push your too hard just in case you get an injury.

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

[alicethomas95 in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Hi,

Thank you! I'll have a look at that, I think it could come in handy.

Yes swimming has been great even during the times when my joints are feeling worse, I will stick to that as I know my body is used to it/can cope.

Thanks for your reply and your help,

Alice