May 9, 2019
Six Tips for Newly Diagnosed Lupus Patients
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with lupus, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. New appointments, new medical terms, new tests, and new medications will quickly enter your life and catapult you into a new one. Fortunately, the diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of the world, but just a different world with a new beginning. Here are six tips to make that transition a little bit easier.
Make healthy choices.
Maintaining a well-balanced and healthy diet along with gentle exercise is essential for lupus sufferers. Avoid unhealthy processed foods, added sugars, and foods with high-fat. Consume plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga are great for Lupus. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and not overdo it. Demanding exercises such as running or lifting weights may do more harm than good if you’re not feeling well.
Manage fatigue.
One of the most debilitating and frustrating symptoms of lupus is fatigue. It is more than just feeling tired, fatigue can disrupt your daily life especially for those who aren’t used to slowing down. Chronic fatigue can also lead to other health concerns such as depression, stress, weight gain, and anxiety. Quality sleep is important for everyone’s overall health, but it is vital for those with lupus. If you feel tired during the day, take a nap if possible and do not exert yourself too much in the midst of a flare-up.
Educate yourself.
Absorb as much information as possible about lupus. This will help you quickly recognize any new issues so you can inform your doctor right away. The more you educate yourself about lupus, the easier it will be to manage. Find reliable sources for information and try to keep up with lupus news. Research clinical trials, developing medications, and different types of therapies. Join a support group and ask questions, listen, and make new friends that can help guide you through this new life.
Educate those around you.
Educate those around you about what it means to have lupus, which is usually invisible to others. It’s important that they know why you feel awful even though you may look completely normal. Family, friends, and co-workers will be there to support you and help you through the tough times.
Take care of your mental state.
As with many chronic illnesses, lupus patients are more likely to experience depression. Managing your mental health is just as important as managing your physical health. Maintain a strong network of family, friends, and supporters. Participating in activities and socializing can help take your mind off your condition. Don’t be afraid to speak to your doctor if you ever feel depressed.
Find quality treatment.
Lupus changes over time and everyone responds to treatment differently. As such, caring for patients with lupus requires vigilance and attention to detail. The goal of treatment is to limit inflammatory injury to tissues, using a broad range of therapeutic options. Find a quality doctor like those at Carolina Arthritis. We will work closely with you to figure out the best course action for you and your illness.
Although most people with lupus require regular doctor visits and must take medications, a healthy lifestyle has a huge impact and it needs to be the foundation on which treatment is built. If you think you or a loved one may be showing signs of lupus, please contact Carolina Arthritis today to schedule an appointment with one of our rheumatologists.