Special Lupus Awareness Issue May 2017 | Page 32

With a suppressed immune system, lupus sufferers are very susceptible to infections. Felicia takes no chances... If I’m standing in line at the supermarket and the cashier coughs once, I leave the line, even if it means a longer line somewhere else. I assume that everyone carrying germs is a threat. Even my husband has become hyper aware to the point he will ask someone, to step away from me if they are coughing. We use a lot of hand sanitizer, we wash our hands constantly and we don’t take chances with colds and flus. I’ve managed not to catch a cold or flu these past years because I am acutely aware of how a simple infection can get out of control and end my life. Sound like paranoia? That’s because it is, but I don’t have the luxury of taking chances. Rest and Relaxation are also part of her regimen... I try to rest. I schedule my time and I try not to take on more than I can handle. I avoid stressful people and situations. I try to make my life as calm and stress free as possible. She follows doctors orders to a T... I take my meds and I keep my doctors appointments, every single one. I have good doctors. They take everything I say seriously, so I’m not afraid to mention even the smallest changes in my body. Together lupus doesn’t stand a chance, we’re too vigilant. 31