But You Don`t LOOK Sick
One of the most difficult issues facing lupus patients is the fact that, for the most part, they don&`t LOOK sick. The ramifications of being told ``But you don`t LOOK sick`` can affect the mental state of the patient. Lupus does that enough on its own during flare ups, which can be triggered by stress. Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) patients often get what is referred to as the ``lupus fog`` which causes forgetfulness, worry, mistrust, difficulty in cognitive thought and a feeling of being ``fuzzy headed``. There is ignorance in our society that causes us to believe we will be able to see the inner turmoil on the surface of those who claim to suffer from an illness. The `Spoon Theory`, developed by writer Christine Miserandino for the website butyoudontlooksick.com has become a popular theory among not only lupus patients, but those afflicted with things such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It describes Christine`s personal story and wonderful analogy of what it is like to live with a disability or sickness that can render you physically and emotionally helpless.
Though no new treatments for lupus have been approved in the US in 40 years, there is still hope that with increased awareness and pushing for better treatments we can expand the number of survival rates and a develop better forms of pain management to increase quality of life for lupus sufferers. Please follow the link below to read Christine`s story and keep it in mind the next time you assume someone is not ill based on their appearance:www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/
