Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | May 22, 2009 02:33am | #1

   So sorry to hear of your diagnosis; your plans to adapt so that you can keep working are bound to be good for you.

   Have you checked out lupus support websites for suggestions--what kind of lighting is recommended?  You might find a forum that discusses exactly the same topic with lots of practical advice.

   Instead of lupus, I suffer from light-triggered migraines and find that smaller, directed task lighting and indirect daylight (indoors) works better than lighting an entire room; perhaps something similar might work for you.

1. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | May 22, 2009 06:57am | #2

   Thanks for the advise, I'll use it. When I first found out I called to go to a support group, but apparently we all feel  pretty lousy and nobody shows up, and boy do I understand that reaction. I 've read info, but not an on line support group, great suggestion.I just love you guys and wondered if anyone has had success with the leds in the sewing room. Well off the computer goes and off with the lights . Goodnite all, Susan

2. 
   ThreadKoe | May 23, 2009 05:19am | #4

   Like you Teaf, I suffer from light triggered migraines. I switched to more task lighting, at lower wattage, with daylight bulbs, and had a lot of success with that. I switched the florescent bulbs in my overhead lighting to the daylight fluorescent at a lower wattage as well, and find them just as good to see by, and not as harsh as well. I do not know how that would affect lupus however.... Cathy

2. 
   Tatsy | May 23, 2009 02:39am | #3

   What about filters? Is there a way you could cover the existing lights with plastic shields or film to filter out the worst of the spectrum? Of course, somebody would have to know what those colors are and what the appropriate colors are to use as filters. So sorry to hear you're ill. Be kind to yourself.

1. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | May 23, 2009 06:13am | #5

   Dear Tatsy, Oh my what a wonderful solution ! I'm gonna google them right now.You girls are the best.I am truly blessed to be a member of this brilliant and caring group of women,  may be some men out there also, thank you, Susan

1. 
   Tatsy | May 23, 2009 06:31am | #6

   I hope it works for you.

3. 
   ThreadKoe | May 23, 2009 04:06pm | #7

   Sorry to hear that you are not well. I understand that Lupus is one of those conditions with many different symptoms, and each person can be affected differently. My Prayers and hopes are that you find treatments that work quickly. Cathy

4. 
   jane4878 | May 23, 2009 08:36pm | #8

   Susan,

   What about T8 fluorescent lighting?  It requires new ballasts and different bulbs.  It's a warmer light (quite orange until the bulbs burn in) and doesn't have the strobing of regular fluorescents.  Also very energy efficient.  I get migraines from the old lighting, but not the T8's.  See if you can find a workplace with them and see if it aggravates your lupus.

   Jane

    

1. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | May 23, 2009 10:49pm | #9

   Thanks Jane. you know my electrician neighbor and friend installed the flouresent fixtures I now have. He said they were from a hospital surgery area,He was the forman from the building of the new wing, and was throwing these out. and they are very bright.a skinnier tube bulb also. Is that what you are talking about.Its hard to figure what I have exactly, being recycled and all. I'm looking into the spectrum lighting filters and I hope they work.

1. 
   KharminJ | May 25, 2009 09:11am | #10

   Dear Susan ~

   I posted a generalization of your question to the AskLizRyan.com group, and got several responses. You can see them all here:http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/asklizryan/message/23240 (If you join the group, you can access the addresses of the responders, if you'd like to communicated directly with anyone.)(It's free, and you can choose "Web Only" or "Digest", rather than getting bunches and bunches of email every day - it's a very active, worldwide group!) It seems that the aggravating part of light is in the UV end of the spectrum, and halogen lights were also suggested. There's also a lengthy comment on pros and cons of Ott lights, and some alternatives offered.

   Bright (but not UV!) Blessings to you in your ongoing struggle ...

   Kharmin

5. 
   Kilroy | May 26, 2009 05:17am | #11

   You may also want to post on the fine homebuilding board - they will have some suggestions about what kind of lighting to install - and they will probably suggest that you install high E windows that filter the UV or put film on your windows so that you can still have light coming into the house, but no UV to worsen your condition. Also, you should discuss where you are going to get your vitamin D from with your immunologist, since you will be limiting your sun exposure.

6. 
   MaryinColorado | May 26, 2009 05:38pm | #12

   http://www.ccrane.com  website has LED lights, if you click on the lights, then lightbulbs it has a comparison chart with a variety of wattages of incandescent, flourescent, and led which might make you feel much better about the initial price of switching your lighting to led.  They last so long so you can feel good about "going green" and saving enery.

   We have ordered radios and electronics from them online and are pleased with the company.  They are always on the cutting edge of technology and design.  They were the first I know of to offer LED for the home.

   Finding a good support group that is a good "fit" can be a challenge.  If there is a moderator that keeps the meetings focused on helpful information, research, changes you can make to improve and maintain your well being it is great.  Don't join until you have visited a group to ascertain it is a positive uplifting supportive environment.  Group activities and outings are a plus. 

   May God bless you and give you strength and courage to be the best you can be.