ive just been diagnosed with lupus and it has been really really scary for me.my friends do not know i have it and due to excessive weight loss,some of my friends think im anorexic.some think i have cancer because my hair is very scarce.some just think im going crazy because of behavioral changes.i just want to be a normal teenager again.
2006-11-24 03:35:26 · 5 answers · asked by A k 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I think you should tell your friends. You need their support. Most friends would want to be there for their friends and help. I would be upset to hear a friend was really sick and didn't tell me.
2006-11-24 03:40:37 · answer #1 · answered by weswe 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know how you feel. I was diagnosed with lupus just a few years ago when I was 20. I have some of the same symptoms as you: I lose my hair, I get the butterfly rash on my face, I have achy joints and other things. My friends and my family are all aware of my disease and I think it has helped me. When my lupus is flaring up, as it did twice just recently, I have people there for me who can help me though it. While they may not understand 100% because a person will only truly understand living with a chronic illness when they've been though it, they can sympathize and do everything they can to make things just that bit easier on you.
I would suggest that you tell your family and close friends. While everyone in your entire world doesn't need to know you have lupus, a small circle acting as your support system will do you a world of good. Lupus is definitely a complicated and often misunderstood illness. You shouldn't have to carry this entire burden alone and I bet your friends wouldn't want you to. :)
2006-11-25 05:42:53 · answer #2 · answered by MissKris 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should not be ashamed. Think of it this way. If you tell them you can stop the rumors. I have type 1 diabetes and I am really skinny but i have to drink diet sodas and eat sugar free foods so most people think i am anorexic because i am small on diet, also I have to take shots people think im taking drugs, and Im always tired so people think im pregnant. I tell them simply "When you assume things u make an a** of yourself" which is what everyone is doing. Tell them that and if they ask just tell them Stupid People I have lupus. By your friends knowing though they can become more understanding, and help with support. Dont be ashamed sweetheart.... It will all get better.
2006-11-24 11:41:47 · answer #3 · answered by Im da Example 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Tell them. You will benefit from their support as I know how tired Lupus can make you, plus the treatments for it can also have side effects. Sorry that you have this nasty illness, it needs more publicity so people understand it better. Stay positive, very important, and let your friends and family help you when you need it. If they are true friends then they must be wondering what on earth is wrong with you. Tell them!
2006-11-24 12:32:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be very beneficial for your friends to know..it would be better for them to know what is causing these changes in your health status, then for them to dream up their own reasons..lupus is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, and it will continue to become even more difficult for you to hide what is wrong with you as it affects the different parts of your body..it is better to do it now, then to try and hide it and make them feel bad that you didnt want to be open with them
2006-11-24 11:44:45 · answer #5 · answered by janellie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋