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Gf has Lupus. Are mood swings common?

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Posted 9/26/2012 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on this site for a few years on the ulcerative colitis forum, since that's my particular challenge with my body. I want to ask about Lupus though, since my girlfriend of one month has the disease.

My gf is on benlista (sp?) and says it's a wonder drug. However, she still experiences symptoms of the disease... especially the week of her infusion before going in.

I just want to know if having Lupus can make a person almost bipolar? She spent the entire last evening completely upset with me, which was surprising since there is not much wrong with our relationship. Towards the end of the evening she apologized and said to ignore everything she had said. She says she has not felt good at all the last few days.

Is something like that common with Lupus? I love the girl and am trying to understand, even though I feel like a complete punching bag some days.
Posted 9/26/2012 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, moodiness is part of lupus -- think of trying to get your head around losing your arm permanently -- it's a HUGE adjustment she is making and it's hard to get your head around it, and the chemical changes from it do affect your emotions on a subconscious level as well. I don't know about the new med Benlyisa but many of the other meds we typically use also affect chemical balance, hormones, emotions, moods, etc.

Thanks for coming here to get support - while we are mainly for the patients, and I don't know of any caregiver sites specifically for lupus, I for one appreciate your willingness to ask for help and look for answers.

Best wishes for you & GF,
Posted 9/26/2012 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Lynwood. Today she told me she was very sorry about how she acted yesterday, and that she isn't feeling good and really needs her infusion.

I get moody when I'm flaring with my disease, so I can understand how simply not feeling well makes a person edgy. And, it sounds like there's a lot more involved, including the medicines. It was just scary for me because she was not the same person I have been dating, it was like a different personality almost.

Thank you again for your comments.
Posted 9/29/2012 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thoreau -

How nice of you to be so supportive of your girl friend and so proactive about getting educated about lupus and the medicaitons used to treat lupus.

In addition to the emotions that come with having Lupus, Benlysta does indeed affect the mood. Check out www.benlysta.com for more info.

Take care,

Nina

Posted 10/1/2012 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Thoreau,

Lupus can cause mood swings, depression, and various cognitive changes like memory loss, poor concentration and other symptoms.  Some lupers are affected more than others.

In addition, just dealing with a chronic disease like lupus with all the unknowns can create anxiety, panic and outright fear of the what will happen.  Someone in a relationship can feel guilt about not doing his/her share or being a burden and that can complicate a relationship.  The best thing for both of you is to find a local lupus support group and both of you go to it.  You will be talking to others who have gone through similar challenges and understand the problems.

Go to www.lupus.org to see if there is a support group near you.

Bill

Posted 10/13/2012 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Thoreau

It's great that you're supporting your girlfriend. Lupus is a horrible disease and I don't think anyone who doesn't have it can imagine how hard it is to live with.

If you go to http://www.thelupussite.com you'll find a section for friends, family and care givers of lupus patients and hopefully you'll get support from others who are in your situation.
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