What is your reaction to people who s... - St Thomas Lupus T...

St Thomas Lupus Trust

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What is your reaction to people who say 'but you don't look sick'?

10 years ago30 Voters

Please select one:

Sigh in desperation.Ignore them.Take the opportunity to explain what lupus is.Explain that you are sick even if you don't look it but don't explain further.Give a brief explanation of how you are actually feeling.My response depends on who actually says it.Other (leave response in replies box below).

6 Replies

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uniqueflo10 years ago

it is so frustrating that you need to explain yourself because people think you look so well.its such a cruel disease as it is,let alone having people think you are blagging.x

in reply to uniqueflo10 years ago

Yes very true - the only way is to keep educating people what lupus is.......

vibevj10 years ago

Is this a compliment ?

in reply to vibevj10 years ago

I suppose it could be in some people's minds. I am torn between whether I like the fact I don't look sick - so I don't have to admit to it if I don't want and then sometimes I wish I turned green or something, when I have a flare, to stop people thinking I'm being lazy...difficult one.....

Purpletop10 years ago

I actually feel good hearing it, I'm fed up feeling awful, I don't want to showing too. But I do tell people that I'm ill despite appearance.

Ruthwenthome10 years ago

I work in an Oncology centre so luckily my colleagues have lots of experience of people looking well whilst being quite unwell. In saying this, I havent disclosed my lupus to many colleagues as I want to feel on an even par (this probably sounds a bit silly) and feel that if I am more open, I will allow myself to slow down more. I find as work becomes more difficult, I am having to share with more people.