Hello, sorry to here about your wife having such a bad time right now. I have lupus and just from living with it I know stress can make it worse it sounds like they couldn't do much for her in the hospital. I know several nurses and it is a very stressfull job by it's self. Living with lupus and being a nurse is very tough! I'm not a doctor, but I would say she should and needs to cut her hours back as much as she can. I know that might be hard to do financially, but for her sake it might be best.
God bless you sharon

A couple of things come to mind here:

1) is she taking immunosuppressants for her lupus? If so, working in the hospital can certainly put her at risk for infections.

2) kidney pain: hmmm...It is my understanding and my experience that lupus nephritis rarely has pain involved. Has she talked to her rheumatologist about this...It could be something else. I know I had pain in the flank area and it was not my lupus nephritis flaring.

3) stress is horrible for lupus. Yes, it can keep it active...Which, in turn, makes the lupus worse. If she is stressed out because of work, then it probably is a problem.

4) pancreatitis? Is that what she had? That is very serious. I also know a lot of people that have digestive issues with their lupus, including myself, and it can cause cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.


For the most part, discuss this with her doctor. They can make the best evaluation since they know her current and past history!

I wish you and your wife the best!
ladybrannon

Yes, stress is the worst!!! I had a very stressful job 2 years ago and thats when I flared up and ended up in the hospital. As soon as I quit that job and got a different one that I enjoy more - I have been pretty good! Financially we had to suffer and I had better benefits at the stressful job, but my husband and I felt my health had to come first.
Wish you the best!