I have Lupus. Is there anyone else that can share any in-site on this disease and no jokes please!?
443292
Like all the previous replies, know you are not alone. We all have this disease and that is why we are able to reply here and help you out.  It is extremely frustrating when others don't understand the disease, or find it surprising how we can get so tired so often; how we can be in pain so often.  Sometimes I truly believe others think we are making it up. I am on a sick leave from work due to a string of flares that would just not go away. I get foggy spells sometimes, I am usually tired most of the time, and my joints get very achy and I can be bed-ridden for the entire day. Then some days are flare/pain free and you wouldn't even know I had the disease.\nOn a side note, I also have been taking Plaquenil for the past year and a half and have always been worried in the back of my mind that I would be within that small percentage who suffer eye damage from it. If you are on Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine is another name for it)--make sure you see your Optometriest twice a year, rather than once a year.  \nLastly, to all the people who replied to this question and are suffering from ANY auto-immune disease, I wish you all the best of luck and hope that someday they will find a cure for us all.  Take care.
1097449
I am not too sure if a male/female with lupus lives any longer than the other. My mother has manged her own lupus for roughly 18 years now. By seeing my mother struggle through this disease I know that some days or even months are better then others. My mother is now 52 years old and controls it by her eating habits, not smoking, and exercising regularly. I know that it is rough even moving some days, but take advantage of the good ones. Don't overdo yourself. Good luck.
98201
It could be an indicator of an auto-immune problem, or it could be nothing. The test itself having high levels really doesn't tell anything by itself. You really need to discuss with your doctor if you have other symptoms, what they are, how severe they are, how frequent, what brings them on, and you would really benefit from keeping a journal of all that information, because sometimes there is so much you forget. Write down anything, sometimes things you think are no big deal can be relevant.If you had other tests taken, you should discuss those results as well. I have SLE (lupus) and I know from personal experience that it takes a lot of positive factors and time to determine a person even has an auto-immune problem. You are your own best advocate, so speak up for yourself. In the meantime, check out these websites, they may be able to help with information specific to the condition you are being checked for, support for you and your family, and possibly links to other sites that specialize in your particular problem. Good luck!
896802
Based on everything I've read, the only treatments for lupus are anti-imflammatories such as prednisone.  A lot of women apparently go into remission after menopause, it is thought to have a hormone connection but no one is sure exactly how.  I have read anecdotal reports of Omega oil helping, such as flaxseed, primrose oil and fish oil, but don't think there is any scientific research to support this.
472873
They very well can be.  Lupus is a disease of many faces.  My daughter has lupus.  She has had tremors also.\n\nJust to be on the safe side, please see your doctor.  Symptoms vary widely, it is necessary to seek help for a proper diagnosis.
5126
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues as though they were foreign substances. Lupus is not contagious.\nThere are many possible causes for lupus, including genetic defect, chemical exposure (anything from contaminated well water to (suspectedly) hair dye), and even as a result of some medications.  Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin problems, sensitivity to light, fever, nervous system problems, and many more.  For more information go to webmd.com and just type in lupus in the search field.
464367
Hi. I have lupus too and also am on Plaquenel. \nDon't keep scrubbing your face. That will only make it worse. Use a gentle moisturizer. I use on by Mark. that is very light. Maybe try using a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil too.
12168
I am a sufferer also. There are many treatments which you may find helpful. I have lots of resources that would require me to email the pages to you [they're obtained through college databases]. I'd be more than happy to email them to you if you're interested. [archnarkiegirl@yahoo.com]
256428
I have lupus and daily living is a constant battle with the everyday pain, the arthritis, the fever, chest pain etc, it makes it hard just to do normal things but i have hope that one day this terrible disease will be eliminated and just continue to do what you are doing and take you meds and if your able to exercise do it on a regular basis it will help your aching joints, good luck.
245856
Hi. I too have Lupus. My advice is to get rest. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy cells. The immune system is basically overactive. You will probably need to get on medication(s). I take 400 mg of Plaquinel a day plus 80 mg aspirin, 400 mg of ibuprofen. It is not an easy disease to live with, but it could be worse. It is not a death sentence. People can live long good lives with Lupus.\nHope this helps :-)
220909
I have checked numerous sites. There is only one legitamite(sp?) lupus scholarship that I have found. Its at: www.lifescholarship.org . You can also look for scholarships for people with disabilities, but I havent found any yet.
879411
you  need to get to your doctor and have them  run the tests for lupus and for sjoren's disease.  the heredity thing with lupus is rather complex.  it tends  to be more common in women then men.   the  reason for your dry eyes could be multifactorial.  did you consider diabetes or a problem with your lacrimal(tear ducts).  in any case i would schedule an appointment with you family doctor and also with an opthamologist.  to have those valuable eyes check out.   do that tommorrow.  good luck
580103
If you meant hurt, yes Lupus can cause muscle pain /aches and arthritis. The medical literature does not specifically talk about back pain.
1083276
My sister has lupus.  There was no history if it in the family, and the doctor told me that I am no more likely to have it than the general population.  It is an autoimmune disease which occurs more frequently in women than men, and it is usually diagnosed during childbearing years.  Generally speaking the earlier the diagnosis - the more likely for it to be a severe case.  Please be careful and don't ignore the signs!!! It started with arthritis like symptoms in my sister's case.  She was diagnosed at 16 and by 17 she had full-blown lupus.  She lost her kidneys and had damage to her heart, lungs, spleen, brain, etc.  She is on her second kidney transplant and is doing well now, but we were not sure that she was going to make it to her 18th birthday.
183082
I know nothing about dropping hair, lymphatic cancer, or ptimal epilipsy but I do have Lupus.\nLupus is basically an overactive immune system that attacks health parts of the body. It is a serious disease but not always a deadly disease.  People with Lupus can live a decent life that is not necessarily shortened due to the disease. Hope this helps :-)
607383
Some new drugs are also becoming helpful in dealing with lupus at the cellular level. One drug receiving a great deal of attention for lupus is rituximab, known as Rituxan. This drug is having success in studies in achieving remission and getting rid of many of the more serious health effects of lupus. \n\nSide effects:\nHeadache, nausea, facial flushing, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.\n\nRemember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.\n\nTell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fatigue, decrease in amount of urine, weakness, fever, chills, pain at the tumor site, joint or muscle pain, stomach pain, sore throat.\n\nTell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, cough, diarrhea, increased thirst or urination, tingling of the hands or feet, flushing, unusual bleeding or bruising, sweating, mental/mood changes.\n\nTell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, slow or shallow breathing, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin.\n\nIf you have hepatitis B, rituximab may infrequently cause the infection to worsen. Very serious liver disease could occur (during or within several months after rituximab treatment). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop persistent stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, extreme fatigue, yellowing eyes and skin. Treatment with antiviral medication is usually given to control hepatitis B.\n\nA serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.\n\nIf you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
918726
It could very well be lupus because your symptoms fit the typical symptoms of that disease. Lupus is an autoimmune disease affecting mostly women and causing various effects throughout different parts of the body. Its severity can range from very mild to extremely serious depending on which body organs are afflicted. \n\nLupus is difficult to diagnose and often misdiagnosed unless there is a characteristic symptom such as the butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks. There is no single definitive blood test for lupus and doctors have to make the diagnosis based on a variety of symptoms and diagnostic tests. Lupus is one of a group of conditions with vague symptoms such as fatigue or malaise, and may need to be distinguished from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, depression, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, or various other conditions. If the main symptoms are joint symptoms, then various other causes of arthritis need to be considered. (Source: WD Writers) \n\nLupus (also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) is a disorder of the immune system which normally functions to protect the body against invading infections and cancers. In lupus, the immune system is over-active and produces increased amounts of abnormal antibodies that attack the patient's own tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and blood vessels. The signs and symptoms of lupus differ from person to person, and the disease can range from mild to life-threatening. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Neurological Sequelae Of Lupus Information Page: NINDS) \nObviously you need to get a professional diagnosis. Go back to the doctor and this time inquire about lupus.