:heartbeat I was dx: with Systemic Lupus two years ago. I am currently attending school for my BSN in nursing. I sometimes think if I should continue to go to school. I am afraid of what this disease could do to me in the future. I love to help people and have been working in the medical field for the past 10 years as a unit clerk. :heartbeat

I think that if you are physically able that you should follow your dreams. The future holds a lot of unkowns for every one of us-don't let the fear of what could be stop you now-if the time comes when you can't do it then something else will open up-I firmly believe that. I also believe that being a patient gives a new view of what it is like to be a patient and opens up a great deal of compassion to those who you will treat in the future. Nursing school is very hard and takes a toll. Nursing is hard as well, don't get me wrong. but there are very critical times in nursing school when we all felt we wouldn't make it, with our without a diagnosis. Some of the anxiety your are feeling is due to the stress of the moment and will pass, hang in there!

I totally agree with cav5. look around this site...many nurses are working with chronic illness, myself included. It is scary when you are first diagnosed but you can fight this. I've worked with several nurses with lupus and while it's hard, if you want something you'll do it. Best of luck...

Don't end your life for a DX. Keep going on with your plans and dreams. Do not give in, you don't know where you will be in 5 years. Better to have your degree, than wishing you did. You are not your disease and have much more control, than you think. peace!

My mom was diagnosed with lupus when she was in her early 20's. It was well controlled for the most part with a few flare-ups. She has had a very active life and had to finally retire at 62. Her lupus came back due to stress in her work place. She is doing great now that she is retired and no longer has many problems with it. She stays active and tries to live a healthy lifestyle.

I think that you could have a long happy career as a nurse as long as your lupus stays controlled.

what would the dx do for your future if you did not pursue nursing???

I would persue nursing if you really want to and are physically able to.

I feel that you should do what you love to do to the best of your ability. If your calling is to help people then you should. i also think you should lean more towards specializing in what your disease is about. You can help many other people with the same disease as you.

I agree with all the above. One of the best teachers we had in school had lupus amongst other health issues and she was awesome. She was very upfront about herself, and it didnt appear to hinder her at all.

Go for it if and when you can.

I also have an autoimmune disease. Nursing is what gets me up in the mornings. If it is what you want to do, go for it. I did Emergency Nursing for 20 years until the disease was too overwhelming and now I'm teaching and doing case management with geriatrics and home care. There are so many ways you can go with nursing......It is my passion....if it is yours....you can do it :)