How do you cope when you are flaring but you have obligations?
Lupus flares can pop up unexpectedly and don't take into consideration your upcoming plans, or obligations with work, family or friends. How do you cope when you are fighting a flare in the midst of life obligations?
It depends. If I'm in a lot of pain and exhausted, I don't go out. It may have caused some people to be angry but, basically, I do not commit to anything optional from May thru September.
I push through along with take pain reliever as needed.
, I hope you are able to take care of yourself and take it easy once you have met those obligations. Even if it's just making a cup ofyour favorite drink and snuggling under a blanket for thirty minutes (or whatever self care activitiy sounds best to you).
Best, Erin, Lupus.net Team Member.
aww I know that feeling. Of pushing through. I hope you also make time to rest. Sometimes I know I can push through and overdo it. ~Racquel~ lupus.net team member
First of all I try to schedule everything for late morning to early afternoon. For scheduled events I plan ahead to rest before I go to an evening event . Afternoon events are the best for me. Early morning appts are really difficult so I avoid them.
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That makes a great deal of sense.
Thanks so much for the great tips!
Be well, Doreen (Team Member)a great strategy for sure. It’s so good to be able to know exactly what works for our bodies. ~Racquel~ lupus.net team member
I have various aids, wheelchair, walker, I take whatever help I need when I need it and try saving my energy for important tasks first. Thos isn't working as well for me anymore. Need new ideas
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As you have noted, managing Lupus can certainly be challenging.
It's important to communicate to those around you (whether it be friends, family, or your healthcare team) as to what you need and how they can support you. That certainly may sound easier said than done, so I'm including a few articles that may provide some helpful tips: https://lupus.net/living-coping, lupus.net/treatment and https://lupus.net/supportive-treatment
In the meantime, I do hope others in the community will chime in with some suggestions on what has made a difference for them.
Wishing you all the best, Doreen (Team Member)your strategy is good to use aids. We can only do what we can in the constraints of what our body allows. Taking breaks , moving slowly works for me. Also I ask for help and accept it when it’s given. The help usually gives me the break I need to move on with the rest of whatever obligation I have in that moment. ~Racquel ~ lupus.net team member
