Support for the Lupus Patient

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder with inflammation of the connective tissue. For unknown reasons the body will attack its own connective tissue as if it were a foreign body. It is estimated that over 1.5 million people suffer from this disease; of which 90% are women and 80% of these women are 15-45 years of age. People of color are three times more likely to be stricken with lupus than white people; this cause is unknown. However, some believe that it is due to heredity, hormones, or viral infections.

There are two types of lupus. The most common form is where it will affect the exposed areas of skin. The less common form, but more serious, is where it will affect the internal systems. Symptoms include a butterfly rash on face (30% will have this symptom, a tell-tale sign), nausea, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, hair loss, fever, joint pain and loss of appetite. It may result in anemia, arthritis or neuro/psychiatric problems. Stress, excessive sunlight and some drug allergies have been known to exacerbate the symptoms.

Lupus is diagnosed by a skin biopsy or by a blood test. Both tests will check for antibodies. Four out of ten patients will be treated by 3 or more doctors and have 6 or more medications prescribed. It is a mysterious and debilitating illness that affects the total well being of its patients.

Common used treatments for lupus are NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-malarials (disease modifying agents), steroids and immunosuppressives. However, sometimes the best treatment is someone to share your ups and downs with.