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I have Lupus and autoimmune hepatitis altogether I have 39 things wrong with me and there's no cure for any of it. It makes me feel hopeless

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question đź’­
Reno, NV

It's very painful and I can't take pain medication

July 1
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a post about living with Lupus, autoimmune hepatitis, and 39 conditions, offering heartfelt empathy and practical ideas... Read more

Members rallied around a post about living with Lupus, autoimmune hepatitis, and 39 conditions, offering heartfelt empathy and practical ideas for managing pain without traditional medications. Several members shared helpful alternatives including turmeric with black pepper, ginger, Low Dose Naltrexone, moxibustion patches, and prescription Diclofenac ointment for joint relief. A recurring theme was the emotional exhaustion of managing so many overlapping conditions, met with deep solidarity, shared prayer, and gentle reminders that no one in this community faces it alone.

A MyLupusTeam Member

Judy, please ensure that your vitamin D level is over 50 ng/dL and that your thyroid function is normal. Ask your rheumatologist if they believe your lupus is controlled well enough, given your severe pain. If they don't believe they can help, ask about a referral to a pain specialist.

Are you taking excellent care of yourself, including plenty of rest, UV protection, a healthy diet, and stress reduction? Gentle movemnt/exercise can help pain, too. An anti-inflammatory plant-based diet can help.

I'm sorry you're suffering so, and I hope you find some relief soon.đź’ś

July 2
A MyLupusTeam Member

@JudyStanford, you are constantly in my thoughts &prayers, iive been there wishing i can turn the clocks back do it all over agaiin & maybe i wouldnt have lupus & all this other stuff, i didnt get ti do what i wanted in life . I’ll keep u in my continuous prayers

July 1
MyLupusTeam

Living with lupus and so many other challenges at the same time is genuinely exhausting — physically and emotionally. Feeling hopeless in that situation makes complete sense, and it's okay to acknowledge how hard this is.

While there's no cure for lupus, the outlook has improved dramatically. The vast majority of people with Show Full Answer

Living with lupus and so many other challenges at the same time is genuinely exhausting — physically and emotionally. Feeling hopeless in that situation makes complete sense, and it's okay to acknowledge how hard this is.

While there's no cure for lupus, the outlook has improved dramatically. The vast majority of people with lupus today live a normal lifespan, which wasn't always the case. That's not nothing — even when it doesn't feel like enough. Since pain medication isn't an option for you, there are some other approaches worth exploring with your doctor:

- Anti-inflammatory diet — Many MyLupusTeam members find that clean, whole-food eating helps reduce inflammation and pain levels over time
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) — These have natural anti-inflammatory properties
- Reducing salt — Especially important for managing blood pressure and kidney stress
- Staying hydrated — Supports overall body function and can ease some symptoms
- Gentle movement — When possible, light activity can help with joint stiffness

Always check with your doctor before making changes, especially given your complex health picture. You are carrying an enormous load. Connecting with others who truly get it — people managing lupus alongside multiple conditions — can make a real difference on the hardest days. You are absolutely not alone in this.

July 1
A MyLupusTeam Member

I’m so sorry. I have had so many symptoms/health problems develop over the years im at a loss as well. I’m 38 and I’ve been on disability for 10 years.. I thought lupus was going to be an easy thing that they could diagnose and treat… I’ve had benign brain tumors, hydrocephalus.. had to have tumor removed and a shunt put in. It’s ruined my confidence. I never leave the house. I was so pretty and so happy and loved sooo many different hobbies and could make art like crazy. Now I can barely get out of bed. I’m so tired.
Truly. Tired.
I’m so sorry for anyone that has to go through this. It’s all different but it’s all the same.
Hang in there. I’m trying…

July 4
A MyLupusTeam Member

@JudyStanford I would like to hear more about what you’re struggling with. How long have you been sick?

July 1

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