The last thing we need is to worry about things we have no control over,take one day at a time and trust God to do the rest.It's normal to think about the affects this disease can have on our bodies,but we have to control how much we think about it.Every pain is not something that will kill us or send us to the hospital,sometime it's just normal aches and pain that everyone gets,even normal people:).Knowing your body and having a good relationship with your Dr helps and keeping track of different symptoms,try thinking about or doing the things you enjoy.It is life changing,but we can't stop living b/c of the DX of lupus and it's friends,live life everyday like it's your last and that's true if your healthy.I pray for Gods peace and strength in your life,Peace&Blessings.

Different for everyone but there are surely things that you should be ready for.

You need to pay almost equal attention to your emotional state as your physical state, if for no other reason than depression, anxiety, stress, etc. will directly affect your health. In my case, I would go for long stretches thinking I was severely fatigued only but looking back there was quite a bit of co-mingled depression going on.

Always remember that every day is a new deal. Yes, you will have bad days but always keep in mind that surprise good unexpected days will pop up. Be prepared to take advantage.

On others and loved ones. That's where it gets tricky. In my case, I have had great support from some and at the time inexplicable distancing from others. What's really going on in many cases is that they are processing grief over your situation.

If it gets toxic you need to make sure you minimize how much you let them affect you as this stress will indeed affect your health. Knowing why they get that way can help but under no moral code that I know of are you commanded to suffer from abuse from those people no matter how close.

Living with Lupus is living with extreme uncertainty. I focused my attention on learning to cultivate resilience. Books dealing with this were instrumental for me. These themes are discussed extensively in Buddhist thought and Stoic philosophy.

Daily unpredictability is really at the core of what gets to many of us. Find a way to deal head on with that and you've a good start.

Oh, and meditation never hurts.

-love
Chris

I I have become my own authority on me. I google symptoms , ask questions, and have learned to listen to my body. If I think it's not normal then it isn't. I advocate for myself and have learned to dismiss those who are non supportive.

After I was diagnosed, one of my doctors told me "it's not a death sentence, don't let it in your head, it can only take from you what you allow it to take". Every morning I get get up and repeat those words. That's not to say I don't have bad days, but my bad days are few and far between. I have a lot of joint pain, but manage it with physical therapy exercises and determination. I stay as active as possible to keep everything moving. Stay strong!

Just take things one day at a time and most importantly have faith in God.