My Personal Experience With Lupus

Never Give Up ....

I believe that whatever we are challenged by in our lives, God gave us the mechanism within us to heal it.

My Personal Experience:

My experience with Lupus started at age 24. I was diagnosed with systemic Lupus and at that time, there were only two doctors here, that even had a clue what Lupus was. I would spend weeks and even months at a time in the hospital. I have severe kidney trouble and am unable to have a transplant, due to being adopted with no medical history, and having a very rare blood type. Not having an immune system didn't help.

I am very fortunate to have a loving husband and four very special children to share my life with me. I was in denial of having Lupus myself. One day, I couldn't even get out of bed. I was sick. I couldn't move. My body hurt so bad My husband practically carried me to the doctor.
Doctors informed me that my Lupus was acting up. And at that time, I decided to accept the fact that I have Lupus and started taking care of me. How do I take care of me? I don't worry about the little things, put my feet up for at least 1 hour a day. And try to enjoy life. I do have a very loving family and small town community that does understand (somewhat) what Lupus is.

The greatest love and joys in my life though, are my husband, my two sons and my two daughters. I've been fortunate. My husband, by working longer hours, made it possible for me to quit my corporate job. Life was too short to work in an office, in a little box, with lots of stress. Now I work for myself. Then if I don't feel well, I just don't work..

I have a lot of help (from my saint of a husband). It can be very sad, but in many ways I view my illness as a blessing. I don't take anything for granted. I wake up in the morning, lie quietly and do a body inventory. On the rare occasion that there is no pain, I appreciate it in a way most people can't imagine. I don't worry quite so much about dust or dirty floors. I'm more inclined to focus on how happy I am that my legs function, than to focus on the electric bills. You just have to learn the language and, as Churchill said, "never,
never give in".

Whatever you do, don't give up HAVE FAITH - No matter what religion. Keep
your head held high and try to smile. Try really hard not to have stress in your life. Take advantage of those who understand and avoid the ones who don't.

If you are in need of support and understanding, or have questions regarding Lupus or anything pertaining to Lupus, we would love to be of help to you. Please email us anytime.

I am a firm believer in Omega 3 Fish oils for minimizing my Lupus symptoms, and, although I do take fish oil supplements daily, I also switched to a diet of mostly fish only about three years ago.

The results are fascinating -- and I saw (and am still seeing!) improvements in my quality of life, much less pain, inflammation and fatigue, which I find, are some of the most debilitating symptoms of lupus.

I went from being severely affected by Lupus in my daily life to actually joining the gym and noticing a huge difference in what I could do, simply by increasing my intake of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines. ect. Learn more ...

Since I don't get outside much ( especially not in the summer sun) I was fortunate enough to find an online store where I order all of my fresh fish requirements, monthly. Whispy.com has now partnered with Mike Mondello's SeaBear Smokehouse in order to educate our Internet audience about Omega 3 fish oils and the great benefits and to provide the best fresh seafood in the US at special discount prices.

 I've also posted several of my favorite seafood recipes in our Community Recipe Collections.

If you are not able to get enough Omega 3 in your diet through fish alone, you may want to discuss the possibility of supplementing your diet with a quality Omega 3 soft gel with your local health care professional.

Over the past 40 years, an increasing number of physiological functions have been attributed to omega-3 fatty acids, including movement of calcium and other substances into and out of cells, relaxation and contraction of muscles, inhibition and promotion of clotting, regulation of secretion of substances that include digestive enzymes and hormones, control of fertility, cell division, and growth. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in brain development and function. Some evidence has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids in the diet may protect against heart attack and stroke, as well as certain inflammatory diseases like arthritis, lupus, and asthma. The major dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids in the U.S. population are fish, fish oil, vegetable oils (principally canola and soybean), walnuts, wheat germ, and some dietary supplements.

Natural Supplements I personally use for Treating my Lupus Symptoms

Immune System Booster

Immune System Enhancer - Proven Natural Herbal Alternative, No Antibiotic Resistance or Side Effects. ImmunityPlus is a blend of African, Asian and other herbs specifically formulated to optimize immune functioning. ImmunityPlus is a potent, complex remedy that contains ingredients to provide a wide range of benefits to those suffering from depressed immune systems or wish to boost their optimal functioning. This includes a liver tonic; immune system strengthening; improved body functioning; detoxification; and enhanced convalescence.

Immutol is the most proven, most effective natural immunity enhancer available anywhere. Immutol activates specific immune cells called macrophages that are the front line of defense against invading microbes, thereby enhancing your immune system's natural ability to defend against pathogens. Immutol is not a drug, vitamin, herb, or mineral, yet it can activate your entire immune system more fully and safely than any known substance. The only ingredient contained in IMMUTOL® is highly purified Norwegian Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucan (NBG). For more information regarding product history and research, please visit www.immunocorp.com.

Modified Citrus Pectin Powder - Citrus pectin is a plant fiber found in the white part of the rind of citrus fruits. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) has been shown to inhibit cancer cell metastasis, lower cholesterol, and remove toxic metals from the body.

Olive Leaf Extract - The extract of the leaf of the olive tree. Supports your body against cellular toxins and bacteria. Its natural protective power cleanses your body of dangerous bacteria while detoxifying cellular toxins. Olive Leaf Extract also contains important anti-oxidants and the same blood pressure-lowering ingredients found in olive oil.

Ease Joint Pain -  Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced from the shells of chitin (shellfish) and is a key component of cartilage. Glucosamine works to stimulate joint function and repair. Rebuilds strong, healthy joint cartilage .Improve joint flexibility. Chondrocytes to clean away old proteoglycans and collagen plus produce new ones. When any one of these elements is missing, cartilage can deteriorate.

Immunoguard + Zinc Lozenges - Guard against disease-including colds and flu-by attacking invading pathogens. Regulates the amount of iron in your bloodstream-and helps starve harmful viruses. This one-of-a-kind formula - extracted from the highest quality sources - contains lactoferrin and colostrum, the natural immune-boosting nutrients found in mother's milk.

I will list more soon!

The Life Extension Foundation Disease Prevention And Treatment Book

Disease Prevention and Treatment book that makes specific recommendations about combining mainstream therapies with diet, nutrients, hormones and unique medications to provide patients with their best chance of preventing or gaining control over serious medical disorders. The fourth edition of Disease Prevention and Treatment provides over 1,500 pages of concise information about therapies that are documented in the scientific literature, but are not routinely incorporated into clinical medical practice. Many of the recommendations in this latest edition of Disease Prevention and Treatment provide "inside" information about what innovative physicians are doing to prevent and treat the degenerative diseases of aging.

Lupus Articles

Living With Lupus
Lupus is accompanied by a range of health problems.  Use these strategies to cope better with your illness.

Nutrition and Lupus
Although there are no specific dietary guidelines for people with lupus, there are some nutrition issues that you should know about.

Fever and Lupus
Fever is often a part of lupus, ranging from intermittent acute fevers to continuous low-grade fevers.

Skin Care and Lupus
Many types of skin conditions are common in lupus.

Joint Function and Lupus
Joint pain or arthritis is experienced by 95% of people with lupus at some time during the course of their disease.

Exercise and Lupus
Keeping fit through an exercise program planned just for you can help you feel better, both mentally and physically.

Sexuality and Lupus
Pain and fatigue in Lupus can make it difficult to cope in a sexual relationship.  Get the facts and how you can get help.

Pregnancy and Lupus
With careful planning, most women with lupus can safely become pregnant and deliver a normal, healthy baby

Preventing Fatigue Due to Lupus
Use these tips to care for yourself and help ward off fatigue.

Preventing a Lupus Flare
Learn the warning signs of an oncoming flare-up, and common triggers of flares.

Serious Conditions Associated with Lupus
Although lupus can be well controlled in many people, serious medical conditions caused by or associated with the disease can still occur.

Neurological Symptoms of Lupus
Lupus can affect your brain and nervous system, ranging from headaches to neuropathies.

What Black Women Should Know About Lupus
Lupus is three times more common in black women than white women.  Educate yourself about what to look for and how to find out more. 

Lupus : An Intro to a Disease You May Not Recognize
by K. Holton, Suite101.com
Discover why Lupus is perhaps the most misunderstood disease in history and why it is often called the "great imitator".

Lupus and the Importance of Support
by K. Holton, Suite101.com
Don't fight this disease alone!  Finding support is often the key between fostering healing and languishing in misery.

Lupus and Depression
by K. Holton, Suite101.com
Depression is common in people with chronic illness, including Lupus.  Find out what to say and and not say to someone dealing with depression.

Chronic Pain in Lupus
by K. Holton, Suite101.com
Learn about ways to manage your chronic pain, from traditional medications to alternative remedies.

Complementary Therapy for Lupus, Part I
by D. Cheek, Suite101.com
How to use Reiki to foster healing and alleviate pain caused by Lupus.

Complementary Therapy for Lupus, Part II
by D. Cheek, Suite101.com
Natural remedies for associated depression, anxiety, sleep and fatigue.

Medications Used to Treat Lupus
Comprehensive guide to the many medications used to treat Lupus and alleviate its symptoms.

Dental Concerns and Lupus
by G. Malik, Suite101.com
Lupus patients have specific dental problems because of the disease process and medications used to treat symptoms.  Find out how you can prevent a trip to the dentist.

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Lupus Links

We have compiled a variety of educational materials intended to be useful for individuals living with lupus, as well as their support network of family members and friends.

More Lupus Information & Resources