I had posted some questions a few days
back in regards to my boyfriend being
diagnosed with lupus. Thank you for the
reply. I would like to ask you all,
especially those in a relationship, how
the lupus effects that relationship. I
not questioning whether to stay with him
at all. I love him very much, but am
also very scared and I don't know what to
expect. If there are any males out there
who can tell me how it affects them, it
would be appreciated! I know it seems to
be different with each person.
Specifically, he was diagnose with sle and
nephritis. He just came off of being
diagnosed a few months ago, and a nasty
flare that landed him in the hospital for
a few weeks after catching pneumonia. He
seems to be getting better and his vitals
are stabling off as well, but he is also
on a lot of medication. I have done a
lot of reading, but I think hearing
responses from the people who have to live
with this every day would be the most
helpful. Thank you to anyone who takes
the time to read this and respond, I truly
appreciate it!
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patricia142
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Wisconsin
Posted: 11-18-04 10:37am
Hi jen,
I think it is really great that you are
helping out your boyfriend like this. As
far as relationships go, I have been with
my boyfriend for 2 1/2 years, and we have
never had to go through one of my flare
ups together, so I don't really know if
and how it affects the relationship.
However, he does know all about my past
flare ups. I honestly think that if you
truly care about each other, everything
will be fine and work itself out! Things
may seem confusing now, but once he is on
medication for awhile and learns to watch
out for certain symptoms that may trigger
his lupus, things will get easier for the
both of you. Lupus is a hard disease
because no one knows that much about it,
but all you need to get through it is a
good doctor and some love from others
patty
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Heathergirl
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 719 Location: Michigan
Posted: 11-18-04 12:33pm
Hi jen!
First, you are a strong woman, and I
thank you for searching out answers to all
of your questions...Your boyfriend is
lucky. Secondly, every person is
different when they have lupus......Some
people will never have a
flare.........Other people will have many
a year. My mother has lupus, and I
started to research this disease at a
young age, for my mother and bc the
doctors watch me really close for the
disease as well. I know that lupus
affected my own mother severely.......She
has one of the worst cases heard of,
however, again, that isn't normal, so
don't worry! But I will be
honest.....Her husband left her bc she got
really really really sick and couldn't
work.......Could barely get off the couch.
She had to have a in home nurse come out
three days a week to take care of her, but
this is not normal! There are many many
many many people who live a healthy life
with lupus! But you asked for an honest
answer. P.S.. Her husband was a dick
anyway! Lol good luck with your
boyfriend!
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Jen779
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 9
Thanks For the Answers! Posted: 11-22-04 14:14pm
Thank you both so much for your responses!
The last couple of months have been
really scary, but I am trying to take it
one day at a time. I really appreciate
being able to talk to people who
understand this disease (or at least what
there is to understand about it!). I am
also trying to keep him positive, and help
him to see that he can still have a good
life! Right now he feels pretty yucky
too, since he has gained some weight, but
you see most of it in his face (i know I
read about the "moon face"). This is
mostly due to the steroids, correct? He
is hoping that will start to subside when
they can reduce his prednisone (currently
on 40mg). Are there any tips you can
give about lifestyle or diet that may be
good? I appreciate any and all
information! Again, thank you so much,
it is good to know that forums like this
exist!
