The Lupus Chronicles Plus: No Check-Ups For Now

12.20.2005

No Check-Ups For Now

I've been back in Manila for more than a week now. Despite the constant reminders of my mother, I still haven't been to my doctor yet for a visit. It's not really mandatory for me to come see my physician everytime I come home from a foreign assignment, but my relatives I guess want to be sure that I'm still fine and they don't see another episode of what happened to me last May. I feel fine. Some people say I grew thin, some say I grew fatter but the general consensus is that I look a-O.K.. I guess that's a source of comfort for now. Actually since I got back I've been staying up late again, either due to traffic going home, or parties and dinners I've been going to with officemates and friends. I haven't really regained the lost sleep I had on the flight home from Paris. Compound that with the little amount of sleep I've been getting these past days and I'm pretty sure I won't have "acceptable" urinalysis, CBC, and ESR lab results. So I think it's better that I don't see my doctor for a while. In any case, I think she'll be on Christmas vacation too.

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Living with SLE

SLE is not understood well enough to be prevented, but, when the disease develops, quality of life can be improved through flare prevention. The warning signs of an impending flare include increased fatigue, pain, rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, and dizziness. Early recognition of warning signs and good communication with a doctor can help individuals remain active, experience less pain, and reduce medical visits.

Avoiding sunlight is the primary change to the lifestyle of SLE sufferers, as sunlight is known to exacerbate the disease. Drugs unrelated to SLE should be prescribed only when known not to exacerbate the disease. Occupational exposure to silica, pesticides and mercury can also make the disease worsen.

"Lifestyle and home remedies" by Mayo Clinic staff

Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Sometimes you may have dietary restrictions, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney damage or gastrointestinal problems. And although no specific foods have been shown to cause or worsen lupus, it's best to avoid any food that seems to make your symptoms worse.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and can worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and blood vessels.
Get regular exercise. Exercise can help you recover from a flare, reduce your risk of heart attack, help fight depression and promote general well-being. Exercise as much as your body allows — aim for 30 total minutes of activity most days of the week, which can be divided up throughout the day. You'll likely feel fatigued and not up to exercising sometimes, and that's OK. Rest when you need to. Time outdoor activities so that you avoid the sun when it's most intense, and if you're having a flare, stay out of the sun entirely.
Be sun smart. Because ultraviolet light can trigger a flare, wear protective clothing, such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and use sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every time you go outside, even if it's just a quick trip to the mailbox. Be sure that your ears, scalp and the backs of your hands are protected. Avoid tanning beds and stay out of the sun entirely when it's strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if possible. Because fluorescent and halogen lights also can emit ultraviolet (UV) rays and thus aggravate lupus, you may need to wear sunscreen and protective clothing indoors or use plastic devices that block UV emissions from indoor lights.
Get adequate rest. People with lupus often experience persistent fatigue that's different from normal tiredness and that isn't necessarily relieved by rest. For that reason, it can be hard to judge when you need to slow down. Get plenty of sleep a night and naps or breaks during the day as needed. Friends and family members need to understand and respect your need for rest.