When you have children you never realize how much their little minds absorb until they repeat what you've said later. It's always inevitable they will repeat it and not knowing if it'll be good, bad, in public, or in private.
Recently my 6 year old son came to me and said, "Mommy, when did you get diagnosed with Lupus"? He's very intelligent for his age and articulates himself very well. When he asked this question I had to think quick on my feet; which has been a challenge as of late since Lupus affects my CNS (central nervous system) as well. I didn't want to give him more information than what he was asking. I had to prepare myself for what I was willing to tell him.
I replied with, "Well, I was actually diagnosed in August of 2010, but we believe I've had it for many more years than that". He kept asking more questions, which surprised me he was more curious.
He went on to ask, "Can men and kids get Lupus and how many people have Lupus"? I went on to explain to him that "Men can get Lupus and their symptoms can be more severe than women's symptoms, kids can get it too and that's very sad when children get it.Approximately 1.5 million Americans have Lupus". Of course in a 6 year old mind, 1.5 million is 10 times larger than it really is; and the noise he made when I said that number really made me laugh.
He was totally nonchalant with the answer(s) he received and went on his way. It was almost like he asked, got his answer and was totally satisfied. I was relieved because I didn't really know where this conversation was going.
I don't offer information to my two youngest children. If they ask me questions then I will give them the answers truthfully. I don't think they need to know the ugly truth about Lupus unless they ask.
The boys do like to help me with my medicine. When I take my medicine they will hand me my bottles. My 4 year old will say, "OK, let me read it first". He doesn't quiet know how to read yet but he likes to pretend to play doctor and hand me my medicine. He has been to many of my rheumatology appointments and lab appointments unlike my 6 year old, so he's more acquainted with me going to my appointments and such.
All in all, Lupus is a family disease and when children are old enough I do believe they can ask their own questions about Lupus.
Recently my 6 year old son came to me and said, "Mommy, when did you get diagnosed with Lupus"? He's very intelligent for his age and articulates himself very well. When he asked this question I had to think quick on my feet; which has been a challenge as of late since Lupus affects my CNS (central nervous system) as well. I didn't want to give him more information than what he was asking. I had to prepare myself for what I was willing to tell him.
I replied with, "Well, I was actually diagnosed in August of 2010, but we believe I've had it for many more years than that". He kept asking more questions, which surprised me he was more curious.
He went on to ask, "Can men and kids get Lupus and how many people have Lupus"? I went on to explain to him that "Men can get Lupus and their symptoms can be more severe than women's symptoms, kids can get it too and that's very sad when children get it.Approximately 1.5 million Americans have Lupus". Of course in a 6 year old mind, 1.5 million is 10 times larger than it really is; and the noise he made when I said that number really made me laugh.
He was totally nonchalant with the answer(s) he received and went on his way. It was almost like he asked, got his answer and was totally satisfied. I was relieved because I didn't really know where this conversation was going.
I don't offer information to my two youngest children. If they ask me questions then I will give them the answers truthfully. I don't think they need to know the ugly truth about Lupus unless they ask.
The boys do like to help me with my medicine. When I take my medicine they will hand me my bottles. My 4 year old will say, "OK, let me read it first". He doesn't quiet know how to read yet but he likes to pretend to play doctor and hand me my medicine. He has been to many of my rheumatology appointments and lab appointments unlike my 6 year old, so he's more acquainted with me going to my appointments and such.
All in all, Lupus is a family disease and when children are old enough I do believe they can ask their own questions about Lupus.
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