Staying Positive with Lupus

HEALTHJOURNEYS
Jane Doe Lupus

I am a 46 year old woman who was diagnosed with lupus in 2017. I suffer from achy and swollen joints, extreme fatigue, skin rashes, and occasional chest pain. Through the help of my family and loved ones, I am able to work through my condition.

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How much credence do you put into the notion of maintaining a positive attitude?

First – it’s okay to be unhappy sometimes. No one, not even healthy people are happy all the time. It’s not that we, as lupus patients, want to be unhappy, but we seem to focus on the things that make us feel that way.

What do you do to get through the difficult days?

People often ask me how I stay positive when I have so many health issues to worry about. The truth is, I don’t worry about my health issues. I don’t have a lot of control over most of these issues, so I leave the worrying to my physicians. I do the best I can to follow their instructions. 

What is the driving force that keeps you moving forward?

Focus on the things you can control. Focus on eating well and on getting the right amount and type of exercise. Plan your days so you can avoid exhaustion. Put first things first – people before things.