I'm sick right now. Sick enough that I can't work, and that I've had to go to the doctors 3 times in 7 days. But this post isn't about that. It's not about the current details of the illness I'm facing. It's about realizing that things are okay, and moving on.
So many times I see complaints about taking medications, or visiting the doctors office, and dare I say it- being in the hospital.
Taking medication 2x, 3x, even sometimes 4x a day is frustrating. It interrupts daily routine, it's hard to remember, it's inconvenient and even embarrassing for some. But really, what is the big deal? You eat 3+ times a day, don't you? Your pills are your food, they help keep you alive and well just as much as food does. Let your medication become your routine. I wake up with enough time to eat breakfast everyday, not because I love breakfast but because my first medications of the day say "Take with food". My bedtime routine has become- take pills, brush teeth, set alarm, sleep. Taking medication can be easily fit into your already existing routine. As far as embarrassing goes, I know it may be hard to take pills in front of others. But your friends and family will understand. If you are in public, those around will be none the wiser about what pills you are taking. You may just be a health nut taking vitamins and herbal supplements.
Sickness is just a part of this disease. Things happen. Shit goes wrong. We get infections, pains, spasms, and that's only touching the surface of the list of problems we get as lupus patients. Don't dwell on it. Don't complain and ask why. Deal with it and move on. If we spend too long focusing on what HAS happened to us, we will miss was IS happening to us. And what is happening is that our life is passing by us, while we sit here in misery because we have an illness. Allow your lupus to push you forward on the days you feel well, instead of holding you back.
As for doctor visits, they are crucial to your health. Someone needs to be up to date with your blood work and medications. If you are newly diagnosed, tell your work that you will be needing more days off. Use the days as rest days, book a later appointment so you can sleep in, bring a friend with you and grab lunch. It doesn't always need to be a dreadful experience!
And lastly, hospital stays! Now even I have been known to be sad & depressed when I am in the hospital. I believe it is truly one of the hardest times to be a lupus patient. Being in the hospital removes you from your life, at a time that you are your most sick. As hard as it may be, remember that you are still lucky to be living in a country where healthcare is available! Who knows how many of cases of lupus go misdiagnosed, or untreated.
To sum up, Things could always be worse, count your blessings, and shut up and smile. Life with lupus isn't all that bad
No comments:
Post a Comment