Peer Support Group Meeting

Hi Lupus Supporters,


The Lupus Star Foundation will be hosting its monthly peer support group meeting this Sunday July 17th at 4pm.  The meeting will take place in Ypsilanti, MI at the Lake Shore Apartments Clubhouse (I-94, Rawsonville Rd exit). Sharing Hope Meeting Flier


 The Lupus Star Foundation support group is open to anyone with a chronic condition, such as Lupus and RA, as well as those with general health issues.  Friends and family of people with a chronic condition are also encouraged to attend (with or without the sufferer); it is important that a sufferer’s loved ones understand their condition and know how to support them. 

If you have a health condition and would like to connect with people that have similar situations please attend our peer support group meetings.  You will have the opportunity to learn new information about Lupus and other illnesses, exchange information and resources, get advice and tips, and be comforted by people who care about you and what you are going through.  Even if you feel like you do not need much support or help, your presence and story can be inspirational to someone else.  This is your chance to really help someone, and get help if you need it.

Refreshments and light snacks will be served.  Come with your story, questions and an open heart. Lupus Star Foundation is all about helping individuals, spreading awareness, and educating the public!! 

Did I have Lupus as a child?

During the Lupus Star Foundation (Lupus Star Website) peer support group meeting, I mentioned that I might have had lupus long before I was diagnosed.  Throughout my childhood I had several issues that were just kind of brushed aside and not paid much attention to.  For example, as a child I used to have chest pains quite often. The doctors always said it was just a pulled muscle, because of my sports and dance and such. Ummm, maybe it was pleurisy people. Also, I was very active, but when I ran it was quite painful for my ankles and feet.  I just thought I was slow and out of shape.  


When I got a bit older, like high school and my first year of college, I would sometimes have to stop dancing because of exhaustion.  I mean I just could not finish performances sometimes.  I would faint or come really close to it.  This even got me kicked off of the marching band pommerette team.  I would run out of practice because I felt so bad and I couldn't keep up.  I thought I just sucked.  Did I have lupus back then?  I probably did, but the doctors did not catch it.  They always put the symptoms off as something else.  


As an adult something finally brought the disease all the way out. Yeah thanks!! Now that I know all the symptoms and different ways to diagnose lupus, I think that I definitely had the lupus all along.  Lying dormant within this little girl, that had no idea what lupus was. 


It is important to take any change in your health seriously.  It may seem like nothing, but it could be very serious.  You have to take control and understand what is going on with your body. If your chest is hurting, it means that something is wrong.  You need to find out what it is.  It is not normal for you to have pain for months at a time.  Get it checked, and make the doctors figure it out.  Don't just believe what they tell you!!  They are "practicing", they do not know everything.  As my fellow lupus survivor told us "you have to be your own advocate"; he is absolutely right.  Get tested and checked out when your feeling "funny", it could save your life. :0)


With Love,

Travel and Illness

     I love to travel. As I mentioned before, I spent 5 months in Paris and traveled to six other European countries while there.  These countries were Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, The UK and Germany.  I have also visited Canada and Mexico, as well as many states in the United States.  I love to venture to new places to do and see as much as I can. 
     Having Lupus can put somewhat of a strain on our enjoyment and ability to travel.  Lucky for us there are ways to prevent and minimize difficulties while travelling, as well as alternatives to traditional vacationing.  Airports can be very overwhelming for someone who has physical limitations and/or illness. There are several services that airports offer in which you can take advantage.  These include wheelchairs, attendants to carry luggage, motorized transporters and so on.  Do not hesitate to ask for help if you are in pain or just not feeling well.  There are also options to print your boarding pass and check-in online ahead of time in order to avoid long lines. Also, if you plan ahead, you can request a seat that has extra leg room.  If you need assistance in the airport, ask, do not feel ashamed.  
     When travelling it is very important to take some precautions.  Make sure you have your medication.  Be sure to keep your pills in their original bottles when travelling.  Also, be sure to take a prescription order or more than enough to last through the entire trip.  Be sure to keep a couple of days worth of medication on your person, because luggage can get lost.  Besides having your medication, you should also plan accordingly.  Do not overextend yourself.  Plan rest and adequate sleep into your days.  Scheduling too many things in one day is a sure way to wear yourself down or even worst.  Be sure to stretch and keep the circulation going when travelling far distances.  Most importantly, if you begin to feel tired, pain or illness rest or seek medical attention.  Pay attention to your body and give it what it needs.  

     If taking a long plane or car ride, or a 6 day vacation seems to be to much for you there are alternatives.  You can take a cruise, which allows you to rest when necessary and their is access to everything you need 24/7, even medical assistance.  You could also take a short car ride or a day trip to a near by location.  There are many things that you can do to get away from the norm without putting yourself at risk for flare up.  Even though travelling is great, feeling well is even better.  Plan ahead and ask for help if needed.  And remember to send me pictures when you get back!! :0)


With Love,

Support is GREAT!!

It is so wonderful to have people in your life that love and care for you.  Being strong is one thing, but being stupid is another.  When you need help ask for it!!  I had to learn this the hard way.  Now I understand that I am not a burden on those I love...I am so grateful....


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