How Can I Help You??

I am always thrilled when I get sent articles that indicate more funding toward researching lupus.  With the information that is out there, it seems that lupus remains a very complex & complicated condition to treat.  The more people I meet & speak with it also becomes apparent that lupus seems to be diagnosed quicker (or misdiagnosed for that matter), more frequently and at a much younger age than when I first began learning about it. Any additional information or funding that can be used to help move toward proper diagnosis, better treatments or even a cure is still greatly needed.  Since there is no real definitive test, there are many people who suffer for years with symptoms before they are officially diagnosed.  Heck, there are even times in which I still believe I have been misdiagnosed but I have been assured by multiple doctors and specialists that I do, indeed, have lupus. 

So the big questions are how do you treat an illness that affects each person differently?  Or better yet, how do you develop a medication to treat the complex list of symptoms that lupus & other autoimmune illnesses present?  So far there is no simple answer or at least I have yet to find one.  We must continue to let our voices be heard so that lupus starts receiving the attention that it desperately needs & deserves.  I receive emails all of the time regarding the latest research being done or ways to become an advocate and be a voice for those with lupus.  There are a limited number of organizations out there devoted to lupus awareness & education BUT the list is growing.  There are many ways to get involved – click here for more info.

As a person living with lupus I cannot stress enough the importance of educating & learning about the effects of lupus – especially if you have been diagnosed!!!!  If I could shout one thing from the rooftops it would be – Don’t Settle & Ask Questions (actually I think that is two things…)!  You are paying good money to see doctors and specialists – ASK QUESTIONS if you are confused or want information – that is what you are paying them for!  Lupus is a very complex and confusing condition that affects no one person the same – find out all you can and utilize every resource possible.  Living with a chronic illness can be difficult but as hard as it is, don’t let it define you!  Easier said than done for most I know.  This is where I look to you for input – what types of information are you looking for?  How can I help you?  Please let me know!

Also, check out the new article I posted to my Motivating Stories section!  It's another great example of a person LIVING with lupus!

Till next time…