Standing Ovation To Our Support Team

Dealing with lupus or any chronic illness is difficult and can be even more difficult without the proper support team. There is not enough credit in the day to say a million thanks to them. Your support team can encompass your family, friends, coworkers, doctors, nurses, social media friends, etc. I don't know where I would be personally without them.

Lupus diagnosis

When I was first diagnosed, I was a ball of emotions. My family did their best to comfort me. They made sure that someone was with me at every appointment. Some days, it would alternate between my parents, husband, and sometimes even cousins. They made sure I ate even though I didn't feel like eating. My dad would cook me my favorite meals just to appease me. They would go to the pharmacy when I was too tired to pick up my medication. They did everything in their power to ensure that I was feeling ok and feeling better.

Friend support team

My friends also became another support system that I could lean on. I was afraid our relationships would change because of my diagnosis, and in some aspects, it did. I was able to see who was truly there for me no matter what and who understood what I was going through. I could no longer spontaneously hang out till 3 AM, and they were ok with that. They didn't pressure me to do things that I used to be able to do. They let me rant and go on and on about how I felt. I was a new person, and they accepted that.

Work support

My work was also very accommodating. Before my diagnosis, I probably spent more time in the office than at home. My coworkers really became like a second family. They knew I would be in and out for doctor's visits and never questioned whenever I needed that time off. They wanted to ensure that the work in the environment wasn't detrimental to my diagnosis and did what they could to help. Thankfully, I can work from home permanently, and to that, I am forever grateful.

Healthcare support team

I also have to give thanks to my health care team. In the beginning, I was very frustrated trying to get the right help. It took a while and some back forth to get the tests that I needed. But, eventually, they listened and were able to get me a team of doctors to help get me the right diagnosis. Thankfully with the technology, they are reachable with a click of a button.

Social media support

When I was first diagnosed, social media was an outlet I didn't even think about. I researched online but never thought about Facebook groups or Instagram moderation boards. I used the internet just to find out more information about my lupus, what to do, what not to do. But, I never looked into finding other people experiencing what I was going through.

So much has definitely changed, and I'm so glad that I could find an outlet through social media. I personally do not know anyone with lupus, but through social media, I met so many warriors like me and was able to connect and gain support from them. You never have to feel alone when dealing with lupus or any chronic illness in this era. Thanks to social media, you'll be able to connect and find a plethora of online friends that will be able to help and support you.

We all need a support team

We all need that support system to help us get through this. An abundance of love and gratitude needs to be shouted from the mountains for all the help that they have done. I really could not imagine life without them. They have helped me so much, and I will be thanking them forever and ever.

Who does your support team consist of?