Living with lupus
Lupus is a disease that can be difficult to cope with. It can persist throughout your life, and remissions and flare-ups may occur that can cause your life to be very hard to manage. In this article, we’ll examine some tried-and-true methods for dealing with a case of lupus in the most effective way possible without having to change your life in too big of a way.
One of the main symptomatic problems that are associated with the disease known as lupus is joint pain. Many individuals with the disease experience joint pain, and it can be torturous. In order to relieve some of the pain, you may want to consider taking a hot shower or even better, soaking in a Jacuzzi for a while. Remember that heat is useful in lessening joint pain, and moist heat has been shown to be more effective for reducing pain then dry heat.
If you are on corticosteroids in order to keep your lupus under control, you should remember that they may cause osteoporosis and that you should work in order to prevent this problem from occurring. You should create an low-impact exercise program that is suited for helping to keep your body in shape. You should try swimming, walking, or riding a bike in order to keep your muscles strong and your bones healthy. You also may want to consider speaking to a physical therapist in order to accurately determine the type of exercise program that is right for you and your condition.
Fatigue is another problem that many people with lupus face. In order to successfully control your levels of fatigue, you should note the times of the day that you feel the most fatigued. You should ensure that you pace yourself properly, alternating periods of high-intensity activity with the rest that your body needs. Try to maintain a proper balance of activity and rest since neither a schedule of all activity or no activity will just be more aggravating to your condition.
Another thing you should consider is a lifestyle change if you are a smoker. In addition to the numerous harms that smoking cigarettes places on a healthy individual, those with lupus can suffer from some other problems that specifically affect their condition. Hydrazine is present in tobacco, and it is a type of amine that can cause flare-ups of lupus. Also, smoking reduces an individual’s circulation, and those with lupus who smoke face a more drastic reduction of their circulation.
While it can be difficult to live with a case of lupus, it is not impossible. People that are afflicted with the disease at this point in time are much luckier than the generations before them, in which lupus was almost considered a death sentence. As recently as the 1950s, the average life expectancy of an individual with lupus was less than five years. Today, many people successfully live with their disease and go on to have long and happy lives. With some hard work and effort, you can control your symptoms and maintain a happy life.

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