ruby

[Rubysherry]

I am SLE lupus diagnosed in september 2011, i am afraid of the future.

[AllyGY2013]

I have vasculitis and lupus amongst other things, do I ever get afraid? Yes I do. I fear the disease, the treatment, my (and my family's) future, as well as our ability to cope, finances and just about anything you can think of BUT that is perfectly normal and I don't let it take over my life.

What would we be without fear, we all get frightened from time to time. We find ourselves asking questions about our futures, some can be answered, others not; fear of the unknown is the worst and our futures are just that, but it's what makes us who we are, the trick is not to let fear take over your life but to live every day as it comes, enjoy each day and respond to what is happening and adjust your life accordingly.

With each new development we learn and come out with more knowledge and so are stronger from the experience. Don't fear the future but walk towards it with courage, no one truly knows what their future holds for them.

What specifically are you afraid of? Knowing the answer to this is half the battle.

I have a list of things I'd like to do, they are simple things, nothing too extravagant, and I enjoy making each one happen, from a family picnic, watching a beautiful sunset or sunrise, eating something I've not had for a long time or (the most extravagant one) is having a hot air balloon ride (yet to be achieved). It makes for an optimistic future, by giving me something positive to look forward to and the planning is fun and also helps to occupy my mind.

My mum (who also has an autoimmune disease) swears by finding 3 things each night that happened during the day that were positive experiences and that she is grateful for; it gives her a positive outlook.

I am grateful to be alive, so many others aren't as lucky as I am!

[PMRpro]

May I suggest you visit this site: despitelupus.blogspot.it/

Sara Gorman was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 26, very shortly after she got married. She runs a business and has 2 children. It isn't the life she'd planned - but it is a happy and very fulfilling one.

As Ally has said, no chronic illness is nice but it isn't the end of the world.

You have to arm yourself with knowledge. With that you can conquer this new world you are faced with. It won't be a walk in the park maybe - but it won't be half as bad as you think at the moment.

Chin up - there is a place out there for you and it may surprise you.

[AndrewT]

Can only echo, the other advice really- especially the 'still being alive'; yes you, indeed we all are, very much, alive!

[Tinabelle]

I too have been diagnosed with SLE lupus, CNS vasculitis, cidp, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. It's not pretty but I'm not going to let it conquor me! There will be good and bad days but adding the diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean you will get a lot worse. Flares may be different or a bit longer but the treatments are the same so they will all be kept at bay for the most part. I'm getting IVIG for all my autoimmune diseases and it's working beautifully. You will find a good treatment. Live your life like there's no tomorrow and be thankful for life. Don't spend prescious energy worrying about things that haven't happened. They may never happen.

I also pray. It really helps especially when I get to worrying.

Take care.