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Supporting my mother
20,f. My mom has gotten ill. I'm not sure for how long.
At first her doctors were saying it was Multiple Sclerosis but now they are saying it is Lupus
I've done a little research on the disease, and it looks like there's a lot more treatment for people living with Lupus.
My mom and I talk at least once a week but I only see her every other week. I am in college and live in the same town as my mother. We have never been super close, but since she has gotten sick I want to do everything I can to help her. I am really afraid for her right now and she doesn't know what to expect.
What can I do to be the most supportive of my mom?
What can I expect from her with her disease?
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Want to answer more questions in the Relationships category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Families?
The Lupus Foundation of America is the place to turn to for answers and support. I have placed the URL for their homepage below.
I know a woman who has lived with Lupus for over 35 years. She was diagnosed with Lupus shortly after the birth of her second child. Lupus is a disease you can live a long time with provide you stay out of the sun and take the appropriate measures to change your lifestyle to avoid those things that bring on attacks.
As her daughter your role is to be supportive but not to make her an invalid. It might also help you and maybe your mom to attend support groups for Lupus other than just group chapter for Lupus Foundation of America. I found an organization called; Cure4Lupus.org which also offers support meetings throughout the country. In these meetings you will meet other Lupus sufferers as well as care givers and can have an open exchange of information on how the cope and care for their loved ones. The URL for them is:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Educating yourself and your mom on this disease is the best way to combat the effects. In this instance knowledge IS POWER. The more you know the better capable you are to work to make a better life for mom. These support groups and others like them are there to help.
Lupus was once something that was hidden and in effect put in a closet because it was misunderstood. In the 35 years since my friend was diagnosed they have come a long way in understanding this disease and treating it. There is still no cure though life is better today for those affected with Lupus. As the doctors learn more about it a cure will be found. Until then your role is to be a supportive one. To be there when mom has bad day and to help her make the changes she needs to make to have more good days than bad ones.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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People with Lupus need to avoid sunlight. They may need to change their diets. I know of a family that has it. Their bodies are more sensitive to food allergies. And slowly they became more sensitive to more foods. They also can't handle the chemicals in the environment or that we unknowingly bring into our homes or apply to our bodies. Normal air fresheners, household cleaners, body products, like soaps, shampoos, lotions can add to the toxic overload their bodies cant handle and make them more ill. My daughters boyfriend has it. Thats how I know. They have to go to all natural cleansers like making your own with vinegar, or lemon juice and baking soda or hydrogen peroxide is safe too. She may want to switch to all natural body care products, even makeup from the natural health stores in your area. When they were overrun with fleas this summer, flea bombs were out of the question. It wouldve put him in the hospital. We helped them research natural non toxic ways to get rid of fleas. A person can manage their Lupus but they have to be willing to do the little changes that will add up to them feeling the best they possibly can. Add your support by doing some research on line for anything and everything that we daily come into contact with that contains chemicals, even bug sprays or plant fertilizers for out doors could have an effect on her. Feed her the info. Go shopping at natural health stores with her and get her interested in trying the alternative products. It wont cure her but should make coping with Lupus a lot easier.
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