🌞 Learning to Live with Lupus & the Sun ☀️

 

🌞 Learning to Live with Lupus & the Sun ☀️

When I first got sick, just 15 minutes in the mid-day sun would leave me with a fever and a lupus flare-up for days. I’ll never forget the day I was told I was basically allergic to the sun. This was one of the hardest adjustments for me. Like…how does that even make sense?! The very thing that gives life, warmth, and energy—my body was rejecting it. It felt unfair and confusing, and then it quickly turned terrifying…

I’ll never forget the day I was out helping my husband stain the fence. I was in the hot sun for maybe 10 minutes, then tried to hold a post steady for him, and suddenly, my body shut down. I immediately became extremely weak and thought I might pass out. Debilitating fatigue, fever, and joint pain hit me like a truck. I was bedbound for 4-5 days after that…

That moment changed everything.

I used to LOVE the sun—always at the lake, out on the boat, soaking it all in.I avoided direct sunlight, convinced my body would turn against me after just 5 minutes in the sun. I lived in the shadows for a while afraid of another flare.

Now? I’m more cautious, not afraid. I wear sun-protective clothing, hats, and mineral sunscreen and still stay in the shade when possible. I haven’t had a flare that bad in years, but I do get fatigued and overheated quickly in direct sunlight, so I’m still careful in the summer months - but I decided that I won’t let lupus dictate my life, and I won’t let fear control my healing💫 and I believe I am healing. I also believe I will call the sun my friend again someday. I refuse to accept that my lupus symptoms will be a lifelong sentence and if they are, I am going to try and be the healthiest version of sick there is! Trusting in faith to guide me on this healing journey 🙏🦋

This summer, I’m stepping into the sun with protection and without fear. I’ll circle back and let you know how it goes but for now, the forecast is still snow. ✌️☀️

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