In figuring out how long I can work and keep my lupus at bay, I've realized that a few circumstances are in my favor.

In an ideal world, everyone with lupus wouldn't have to drive far to work.  Work-related stress would be low.  The employee could sit when necessary, stand and stretch when needed.  For several years, that described my job as a teacher's aid (paraprofessional) in Content Mastery. 

On the brink of getting my teaching degree, I'm analyzing how I can teach full time and not throw myself into a flare.  I think the key is:

resting on weekends

eating frozen entrees

living in a no-stress zone

minimizing houswork

All those are part of the ideal world.  Only God can help me work it out!  And if I twist their arms, my hubby and son can help out, too.

I remember one really sick episode I had.  Breathing was difficult, and I thought I had pneumonia.  I laid in bed for long periods of time and the guys stayed far, far away from me.  After it was all over, I asked, "Why didn't you two jokers ask me if I needed help?  or a cup of tea?  Or a chauffer to the emergency room?"

They sheepishly looked at one another and said, "We thought the nicest thing we could do was leave you alone.  You know....not ask for anything."  Actually, that in itself was pretty thoughtful.  I have some ill friends whose families expect them to head up boy scouts, host the Thanksgiving meal, and in general function fully even when sick.  My men at least know how to cook a frozen pizza. 



Some of my best preparations for work come from www.flylady.net.  If I lay out my clothes the night before, I don't have to aimlessly stare into the closet right before work.  This is of great help to brain-fogged people.  If I prepare the coffee maker the night before, all I have to do is push a button in the morning.  This prevents me filling the coffee maker with ice cubes or cereal instead of ground coffee. 

(more tips to come!)