News and Info for Lupus

Alternative therapies

Lupus Ebook

Because of the nature and cost of the medications used to treat lupus and the potential for serious side effects, many patients seek other ways for finding  lupus pain relief  and treating  the disease.  Some alternative approaches people have tried include special diets, nutritional supplements, fish oils, ointments and creams, chiropractic treatment, and homeopathy.

Alternative or complementary approaches may help the patient cope or reduce some of the stress associated with living with a chronic illness. However, it is important not to neglect regular health care or treatment of serious symptoms.  An open dialogue between the patient and doctor about the relative values of complementary and alternative therapies allows the patient to make an informed choice about treatment options.

Click Here!

February 18, 2010   No Comments

Things You Can Do To Help Cope With Your Lupus

You have a Lupus diagnosis there are several things you can do to help cope with your lupus here are just a few.   The first thing you need to do is to find out what treatments will work best for you. You might find that a rheumatologist has the best treatment plan for you. Other health professionals who can help you deal with different aspects of lupus include psychologists, occupational therapists, dermatologists, and dietitians. You may discover that working on exercises with a physical therapist makes you feel better. The crucial thing is to follow up with your health care team on a regular basis, even when your lupus is quiet and all seems well.

Dealing with a long-lasting disease such as lupus can be hard on the emotions. You might feel that your friends, family, and coworkers do not understand how you feel. Sadness and anger are common reactions.

Individuals with lupus have reduced energy and must regulate it wisely. Consult your health care team regarding methods to cope with low energy. Most people feel better if they regulate their rest and work and take their medicine. If you’re depressed, medicine and counseling can help.

Also,

* Pay attention to your body. Slow down or stop before you’re too tired.
* Learn to pace yourself. Spread out your work and other activities.
* Don’t blame yourself for your fatigue. It’s part of the disease.
* Consider support groups and counseling. They can help you realize that you’re not alone. Group members teach one another how to cope.
* Consider other support from your family as well as faith-based and other community groups.

It’s accurate that remaining healthy is harder when you have lupus. You need to pay close attention to your body, mind, and spirit. Having to deal with a chronic disease is stressful. People cope with stress differently. Some approaches that may help are:

* Keeping yourself engaged in social activities
* Using techniques such as meditation and yoga
* Setting priorities for spending time and energy.

Exercising is another approach that can help you cope with lupus. Types of exercise that you can practice include the following:

* Range-of-motion (for example, stretching) exercises help maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain or increase flexibility.
* Strengthening (for example, weight-lifting) exercises help keep or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected by lupus.
* Aerobic or endurance (for example, brisk walking or jogging) exercises improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function.

People with chronic diseases like lupus should check with their health care professional before beginning an exercise program.

Studying about lupus may also help. People that are well-informed and take part in planning their own care, report reduced pain. They also may make fewer trips to the doctor, have more self-confidence, and remain more active.

Women who want to start a family need to work closely with their health care team, for example, doctors, physical therapists, and nurses. Your obstetrician and your lupus doctor should work together to find the best treatment plan for you.

January 25, 2010   No Comments

Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes