Stop using your Lupus as an excuse....You don't look sick so you must be okay.... If you'd only eat better then you'd feel better.....Exercise and get out more it will make all the difference in the world... Lose some weight you'd have more energy... At least its not cancer... its only Lupus you're exaggerating..
These are statements that I could never imagine saying to someone I knew let alone someone I don't know very well. But they've been said to me and others with Lupus. Just a little well meaning advice from people who have no clue. I find it offensive that people are still judging the book its cover.
I would love to jog and instantly feel better. Or to feel as good as people thing we look. I would also love to be able to stop taking prednisone so I could lose some weight easily. I want to shake off my fatigue from a busy week and go play outside.
Unfortunately Lupus doesn't work that way. Stop judging and start researching. If you want to help us and understand us then get a clue and some facts. Don't just throw your assumptions around about us being lazy and wanting attention. Don't judge us by what you think you know.
For more information about Lupus follow the link to www.lupus.org
I agree.i am 21 and i have lupus.people around me tell me those words too,but they just really don't have a clue how challenging the life of a Lupus patient.
Posted by: shan | 04/12/2012 at 07:34 AM
OMGee!!!! I so totally agree with you. My name is Cynthia Sanchez and was diagnosed 17 yrs. ago. I,too have been on the other end of those statements and they are highly offensive! As if I wouldn't just like to shake it off!!!! Someone once told me it was all my head! I applaud your courage. I also enjoy reading your articles it makes me fell a little understood,so glad I've frieneded you and look forward to reading more:)!
Posted by: Cynthia Sanchez | 04/12/2012 at 11:28 AM
I agree TOTALLY. A sad side is that those who seem to judge us the harshest are the ones who are supposed to love us, our family. What I wouldn't give to find the magic formula to feel human again, to enjoy every moment of every day with the freedom to do what my soul would love to do rather than what my body can not. Thank you for your words.
Posted by: Sherri Nussbaum | 04/12/2012 at 12:28 PM
Sherri you are right about it being our loved ones. Hopefully with more education out there we'll help them understand
Posted by: Shalonda Garcia | 04/12/2012 at 12:39 PM
Cynthia- I'm glad you enjoy the blog. Its a part of my plot to educate the world on Lupus one person at a time. Please feel free to share the posts. I look forward to recieving your friend request.
Posted by: Shalonda Garcia | 04/12/2012 at 05:52 PM
Shan I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I was your age when my symptoms started. I know its hard not being able to go as much as everyone around you. Blessings to you.
Posted by: Shalonda Garcia | 04/12/2012 at 05:55 PM
Another comment I just got yesterday from my boss who had a backache and a stomach ache. She told me it was my fault she was sick... she caught my disease. I turned to her and immediately corrected her ignorance.
Shalonda, keep up the awareness...love you!!
Posted by: Deb Edelson | 05/05/2012 at 08:36 AM
Debra - what a ridiculous thing for her to say! And its hurtful too! I am glad you stand strong and corrected her. Keep on keepin on Deb and I love you too :-)
Posted by: Shalonda Garcia | 05/05/2012 at 09:08 PM
I'm late to the party. Even if it's not said to you directly, people do give that vibe that they disbelieve you and even at work with medical certification they will make you jump through additional hoops to prove you are ill.
I don't have lupus but I do have AS and SAPHO, and for reasons unclear get the malar rash - in a way that and my Planet of the Apes walk on part gait sometimes convinces them that something might be a bit amiss.
The ones that drive me nuts are the ones who think it's a game of one upmanship, namely I've got this and it's much worse than yours; and those who assume that because I am ill that my mental faculties have deteriorated to the point of not being able to research possible cures for myself.
Until someone gets a condition like this they don't GET the meaning of their words and the impact on the person who's trying to live a normal life.
For the record, your photo looks amazing and I hope you have many days where you look and feel glowing - even when I was well I never looked as good as you.
Posted by: Nomen est Omen | 05/19/2013 at 02:48 PM
Nomen I also am in the medical field. I get exactly what you're saying. The one upmanship drives me crazy! I think people try to downplay Lupus and those of us who have it to make themselves better. And you know what they say- " You know look sick"!
Posted by: Shalonda | 05/21/2013 at 08:44 PM