Laura's Story

Hi!

I'm new to this - I wish I'd found y'all sooner.

I can't imagine anyone who has some sort of pain 24/7, and some kind of limitations all the time, who *doesn't* get depressed.

So far, I have been able to manage fairly well with depression due to effects of Lupus. Unlike many in our community, I pretty much had a golden life before SLE. I was diagnosed when I was 26, and was able to control my symptoms with very mild meds until I reached my 30's. Then all hell broke loose.

I do take Xanax, but just .5 mg a day. I also take Sonata, (10mg), which helps me drop off to sleep at night.

Other than those chemical aids I have found the best solutions are these:

I have a pet - A Pacific Parrotlet named Tiki, who weighs all of 30 grams. Don't be fooled, though! She is a true parrot, and is potty trained, comes when called, and can play games. We play catch with cotton balls, and hockey with plastic water bottle lids. :) She is very affectionate and loves to be petted. I could not handle a larger pet, because my hands are so damaged, but Tiki is the perfect solution. She is eight years old, and her life span is 30 years, so she should be with me for a long time. :)

I am also a practicing Catholic. I do NOT push my religion, or any religion on any other being.... all I can say is that I find great comfort in my church, my prayers, and the rituals that go along with Catholicism.

Lastly, I have a wonderful support network of family and friends. I have never married, but I have many siblings, both parents, and amazing friends. When I can't lift I have people who will take out my trash. When I have to spend my whole Saturday in bed I have people who will do my grocery shopping.

When I just want to talk to someone who loves me, and cry, and say that it's not fair.... I have that too.

I am able to work because of this support network, and work is a boon for me as well. You see, I'm an MRI Technologist. I'm the chick who sweet talks you into that scary tunnel that makes all the loud noises.:)

Because of my own illness, I have great empathy for my patients. I actually have patients who write letters to my boss because I made them so comfortable and calm for their test.

I'm not a miracle worker.... I've been in that machine myself many times- I *know* what it feels like to someone whose every joint is on fire.

Being able to make people feel better is one of the best depression cures there is.

I hope my ramblings will help someone else.

Smooches,
Laura