Long Post but a good important read!

Many people don’t understand my hermit moments. The reality is it is me not you! Everyone knows that I have lupus and a host of other health issues. Although some really don’t understand the depth of what it all does in my life, I understand it.

It’s the holiday season and although I’d love to be out and about hanging out with everyone I just can’t do it. What you may not know is that I am on cancer medications that depelete my immune system. With that depletion I am susceptible to any and everything. I could just wear a mask but I still put myself at risk just by being in the room. A simple 2-3 day cold for a healthy person can be a 5 week health issue for me. True story, it took me 5 weeks to rid myself of a cold that could have easily turned into pnuemonia.

I say all this to say as you gather with friends and family this holiday season, be cognizant of those who took a chance to be around you as they deal with chronic health issues. Don’t attend if you’re sick even with what you call a “little” cold. You put your loved one at risk for a worse health issue than you can imagine.

Another thing is, don’t make your loved one feel bad if they can’t attend. It’s hard for them to make the decision to stay home and miss the family and friend gatherings. Don’t tell them they are allowing fear to rule them or their condition to make them scared and allude to them being weak because of their choices to protect their health.

If your loved one is able to make it to the events please save your opinions and judgements about their disease and how they treat it to yourself. They have tried many things and would eat nails to get rid of the condition they are fighting day to day. Just keep it cordial and if anything ask how you can help them on those rough days.

Finally, take a moment to just let those who have chronic illnesses know you are supportive and love them even when they aren’t able to attend events. Chronic illness steals so much from an individual and guilt, depression, sadness around not being fully healthy can truly set in during the holiday season.

Have a great holiday with your family and friends and I hope that love is abundantly shared in your circles.

~Racquel~

#LupusInColor #HermitMode