i have a friend that has both ra and lupus. what can i do to help him through his pain?

Answer 1

Be understanding.
Learn about the diseases and just be there.
Encourage your friend to get the proper medical help.
I have lupus and the most helpful thing to me is when a friend is understanding when I have to cancel plans, leave early, etc. I don't do it on purpose.. the disease just takes over at times.
www.lupus.org
www.arthritis.org

Answer 2

Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are both autoimmune diseases, and sometimes occur together.

There is nothing you can do for the physical pain.

However, those of us with chronic illnesses, have a lot of emotional pain.

If your friend wants to talk, listen actively.

If your friend does not want to talk about his health, respect that and don't push.

Respect your friends decisions regarding his health. Do not dispense uninvited medical advice."You should...rest more, eat better, not stress, have a positive attitude, just have faith, keep your hopes up...etc" When we don't quite make the mark on these items, we feel like worse failures.

Realize that your friend may often have to cancel plans. Make them anyway.

Learn about the diseases.

Your friend will be grieving for lost hopes, dreams and future. Help him find a new normal by finding things you can still do together.

And most of all, remember your friend is your friend, not his disease.

Answer 3

Hi. This isnt really scientifically proven, but he may find the Gluten Free diet helpful. RA and Lupus are both autoimmune diseases. So is Celiac DIsease, a disease in which the body cannot digest gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley. So although he may not technically have Celiac, he may find the gluten free diet helpful in some of his symptoms. It doesnt hurt to try!
www.csaceliacs.org
www.celiac.com
www.celiac.org

Answer 4

Don't know what ra is....but do know about Lupus. You can help by getting him to study up on nutritional help for Lupus. There is a lot you can do to help this....have a friend who is much better since she started doing nutritional alternatives. Look it up!

Answer 5

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/default.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus_erythematosus

" Instructional, Dietary,
Physiological Biochemistry. "

" Let Your Food Be Your Medicine;
and, Let Your Medicine Be Your Folod. "