Lupus and Wellbeing

[SLE-Warrior]

I was officially diagnosed with Lupus in July 2019. It has been difficult to adjust to my new body. I am uncomfortable with the amount of medication I am taking. Overall, I am trying to change my whole lifestyle which has its ebbs and flows. Recently, my friend has been diagnosed with anorexia, although, she eats but not enough. She has been contacted me constantly to discuss the situation. Yesterday, she was in A&E because she was not eating or drinking because of the antidepressants. The whole situation has been stressing me out and I think I need to concentrate on myself and my own wellbeing.

[Roarah]

Avoiding stress and treating our whole body, including mental health is more important for you now than ever. Anorexia, like addiction, can only truly be "fixed" by the patient wanting to get better. Treatment only works with compliance. You can reassure yourself that no matter what you can not make or break her recovery. By becoming too involved with her disease you might actually be enabling her rather than even helping.

If you need distance, very lovingly let her know you are hoping for her recovery but that is all you can do for it is up to her to work really hard to get well. Tell her you love her. No excuses, no apologies, just quick and direct. And then focus on getting yourself heathy again!

I hope the meds and lifestyle changes you are using to treat your lupus offer a quick and full remission.

Xo

[SLE-Warrior in reply to Roarah]

Thank you for your advice it's very much appreciated. I do think she's an attention seeker. I have known her for over 10 years and she always needs validation from others. I think space is what I need right now.

[jazband]

As much as your friendship means to you it sounds one sided, is your friend aware that you also are fighting a battle and may I add that its one that you have no choice about. You have to think about you now, true friendship will mean that she will understand and if she doesn't well I think that you know the answer to that. I wish you luck with this issue and hope that your feeling better soon x

[Roarah in reply to jazband]

I think addicts and anorexia patients do not choose their illnesses any more than any other disease patient. It is a hard and often fatal battle this friend is facing too. Xo

[Meg52]

You can be supportive to your friend without letting it take over your life. You have a new diagnosis yourself which is a lot to take in and should be trying to avoid stress. You need to concentrate on staying as well as you can. What medication has been prescribed?

I was diagnosed with SLE in April but have had it many years, I am taking Mycophenolate Mofetil 1 gram twice a day.

There’s lots of help from everyone on this site if you need support. Meg x

[SLE-Warrior in reply to Meg52]

I have been prescribed prednisolone (15mg), azathioprine (100mg), hydroxychlorquine (500mg). I am also on iron and vitiamin D tablets. I was taking Vitamin B12 injections they only gave 6 doses which needs to be reviewed in September. How are you getting on the Mycophenolate Mofetail?

[Oshgosh]

You need to look after yourself.

Expredd your need for support to your friend and see what the response is. Then you can make your decision