I am a man who has had Lupus since 1997, and I am 32 years old.
I also have had schizophrenia since I was 18 years old.
It seems hard to believe that one person can have so many problems.
My Lupus attacked my kidneys and I am on all the standard Lupus meds. I have been on Plequinil many years and it is now affecting my left eye. I also am on Prenisone. I have high blood pressure and am in pain most of the time.
I have been most fortunate that my doctor prescribes Ultram for my pain. This has helped me a lot.
I have also had seven chemo treatments and now my Lupus is in remission. It has been in remission for many years. I think the chemo most have helped.
I also take lots of medications for my mental illness.
One of those is Clozoril and I have to have blood drawn every other week. I also take Resperadal.
I was declared totally disabled with my mental illness, and I get a SSI check and am on Medcaid.
If it was not for medcaid, I would never be able to afford my meds.
My office visit to my rheumy today costs 226.00.
The big problem I am facing now is my blood pressure and my weight gain. I have gained 38 pounds in one year. I can't get any exersize because of my pain.
I am also anemic.
But the good thing is that I am better than I was.
Hi, boy it does sound like you have a lot on your plate! Sounds like you deal with it pretty well too. I too gained a lot of weight from the meds and from being so sick. I've just recently started losing it. I am walking for exercise. Slowly, and with a cane, but still walking. It makes me feel better emotionally, even if it makes my joints hurt! LOL I highly recommend starting something, it will help you feel better. It won't cure lupus or anything else, but the fresh air and movement do help. When I first started I could only walk 5 minutes, now, today I walked 50 mintues! I did start on a treadmill, and now am strong enough to walk outside! I hope things stay well for you!
I agree you are dealing with a lot. You might try
water therapy. Most YMCA's have some type of Pool
exercizes usually for seniors but I know people
with physical problems are welcome too. Just walking
in water is good exercize and much easier on the joints.
Usually these programs have nominal costs and you are
not required to join the club. You might check around
to see what is available in your community.Some hospitals
have pool therapy or reabilitation centers. Good Luck
and hang in there.
It was very thoughtful of you to reply and yes, I do have a lot on my plate.
Since I have this mental illness, I don't interact with people. I live with my mother, and do not go out unless it is to my doctor's appointments. It's very stressful to go to the mental health clinic and see all the other people.
By staying in with my mother, I have become somewhat of a recluse.
That is the biggest problem, and yes, I do need to excersize, but am afraid to go out.
I do love to get on the computer, and I play my guitar.
I know I will have to lose weight; I don't want anymore health problems.
The Lupus has almost killed me a few times.
Thanks for your concern!
Man with Lupus 
