My aunt who had lupus died

I just heard from my dad this morning that his sister was found dead.  She's had lupus since she was a teenager and she was only in her late 50's.  It's just very sad.  He health had been going downhill for the last few years and I'm betting she had some CNS involvement because she completely stopped taking care of most of her affairs such as paying bills or managing almost anything in her life.  She was single and didn't have any family nearby, just a good friend who checked in on her regularly.  My dad and the other brother helped as much as they could from a distance and made trips to see her a few times a year.  My aunt also had diabetes which I'm sure she probably didn't control well and I bet it also contributed to her death. It was because of this aunt that I even knew what lupus was when my doctor first mentioned it to me.  I'm glad that I have really great memories of my aunt from throughout my childhood - she was a very loving person.  I feel bad because I want to be at the funeral, but she was out on the east coast and I'm in the midwest and don't think I could travel right now. On a side note, I don't feel well at all and am hoping I'm not heading into a flare.  THis morning my son woke me up early because he was in pain and I got up with him to get him some medicine.  I ended up stepping on a wasp and it stung me several times (I had no idea it would be that painful).  I didn't have an allergic reaction, but I have felt flu-ish ever since.  I hurt all over, have chills and am very tired.  It could just be a coincidence too since I hadn't been feeling well.  Has anyone else had a weird reaction to a wasp or bee sting?

hippimom,

I am so sorry about your aunt passing away. It is so hard to lose someone we love and respect. When you hear of someone at that age passing away it always seems to make it a little harder because you do not expect someone that young to pass away.  Maybe things will turn around and you will feel better enough to go but since she had lupus she, above anyone else would understand why you couldn't be there.

I've never been stung multiple times by an insect but it could very well be your body reacting to the stings.  I hope that you start to feel better and it isn't a flare starting up.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hippi, You might want to take some benadryl right away for that sting. It might help stop the reaction. Be careful, because that could really cause some trouble. If you continue feeling ill, call the doc or go to ER . . . they'll get the allergic reaction halted . . . actually, duh! Prednisone would probably be a better choice. . . if you are allowed to up your dose a bit. (((((((Hippi))))))))) that has to be disturbing to lose your aunt so young AND the reality check of her having the same dd as us. I don't even know her and I'm feeling weepy. Some hot tea coming your way . . . you are right, you should not try and go to the funeral. A well written sentiment is very meaningful to the family. I have always appreciated the kind words that I receive from others during a a time of sadness like that. I've also taken to send fruit instead of flowers . . . its no more expensive and it is very much appreciate and just as beautiful to look at. (((((((((Josh))))))) . . . oh no . . . poor kid . . . Hippi, sounds too simple, but do try having him use an electric blanket. Before I knew what was wrong with me, I had a winter were mom had given me an electric blanket for Christmas and my pain actually disappeared . . . seems I was sleeping a bit tense and the heat caused a deeper sleep or something. I know you need to be careful about those blankets with youngsters, but it sure would be nice to see if it helps. If you think he is too young to try that, pack some of the grain bags around him when he goes to bed . . . they are SO soothing and there is something about the corn in there that really supports the back, etc. Hugs and blessings dear sister!!

Hippi I'm so sorry to read about Aunt.

I really do hope that you get to feeling better along with son. It's been years since I've had abee or anything sting me. Please take care of yourself.

Electric blanket sounds good to me.

Veronica

Hi Hippi:

I've just from Florida yesterday evening and now see you're post. I'm terribly sorry about your Aunt. I know how difficult it is to loose a family member. Please make sure you take time to grieve and get as much rest as you possibly can.

I'm sorry to hear about the wasp sting. I'm horribly allergic to bee stings, so much so I need to take benedryl right away and 100 mg of pred. I hope that your symptoms are better and that you're feeling better.

Rosie gave you a wonderful idea for Josh. I sleep with a heating pad at night. My hubby turns our heat down to 62 degrees in the house at night. It's now getting into the 30's at night outside so my house is pretty cold in the morning. I'm sure the heat will help Josh. I hope that you both begin to feel better soon. ((((hugs))))) to you both.

Love,
Barb

Hippi,

So sorry about your aunt. How sad. My prayers are with you and your family.

Another option for you and Josh to help with the pain is to use an electric mattress pad. I bought one last winter and I can hardly sleep without it now! Mine comes with dual controls to controll the heat separately on each side. The heat goes off automatically after 10 hours or if you want, you can turn it off earlier with the controls. The pad we have is warmer at the feet area and slowly emits less heat at the area closer to the head. I highly recommend a mattress pad to anyone who will listen! The pain relief is incredible. Just a bit of a warning: it is harder to get up on cold, winter mornings!

Hippi,
My prayers and sympathies are with you. Please take extra care of yourself.

So sorry for your loss.  It is harder even to be far away.  I am not living close to any living relative so it makes the grieving process harder to deal with.  I hope your son has better days.

Sharon

Hi Hippi, I just wanted to add my condolences as well. Sorry it is over due. I'll be praying for your family.
As for the wasp sting! I got stung once. I was walking down stairs and felt somthing on my leg under my jeans Not thinking I wacked it. I killed it but not before it stung me a good one. I felt like somone came running at me with a very large very dull needle and jammed it half way thru my thigh. I didn't get sick but I was literally very Black and very blue from my hip to my knee. It was amazing to me how much damage it did. I hope you are feeling better now.
God bless
carol