The Lupus Chronicles Plus: Getting Too Old For This

3.03.2006

Getting Too Old For This

I just saw my doctor this morning, CBC and Urinalysis lab results at hand. She wasn't really happy. That meant I left her clinic with prescriptions similar to what she gave me last time. That meant no decrease in dosage for Prednisone and Azathiophrine for me. There were no decreases, only additions. Now, aside from the usual requests for CBC and Urinalysis, I have to take tests like Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL, HDL, and, what's this written on the prescription, ACT? She told me for these tests I have to fast for 10 hours before the (blood) extraction. *sigh*. Her reason? "You're not exactly 21 anymore so you should be checking on these things also. Then when I complained about my head hurting on my eyes, she recommended I do treadmills in the gym. Imagine me, doing treadmills. That would be a sight to see. She said she's thinking that my head hurts because I have so many things on my mind ( how she knew that, I don't know. She must have a spy on me in the office ) so I need to release it via running or moving. Oh well. We'll see. I'll do anything to keep out of the hospital.

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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.