Learning About Lupus
If you were to put 10 different people with lupus in a room together to talk about their condition, you would get 10 unique and individual stories. Lupus manifests itself in so many different ways that it looks different in each person it affects.
When active, new symptoms can pop up while others may completely disappear. Lupus seems to live in a state of evolution — changing the way it attacks those who have it.
Furthermore, if you have lupus, there is a chance another autoimmune condition could develop, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma. Many of the symptoms associated with these additional chronic conditions are similar to those found in lupus patients.
It’s important to learn all you can about your condition. Knowledge is power, and in knowing how lupus affects you, you are more likely to get a handle on controlling it.
Surrounded in Mystery
If you are like me, you have probably been surprised by something new and mysterious presenting itself. I can recall countless times I have awoken to discover something unfamiliar: a strange new rash, odd lumps on my forehead, or swelling in my face and hands that didn’t exist before. The list goes on.
Some of these new manifestations may be short-lived — a one-time-only sampling in the strange world of lupus. Others may become permanent features that stick around and show up every time you have a flare.
It can be alarming, and I often wonder if I did something that spawned the new symptom. There have been many studies regarding lupus, and despite the information medical professionals are learning, the condition mostly remains a mystery.
There doesn’t seem to be a specific cause that can be pinned down. Depending on which body systems are involved, the precautions, treatments and restrictions may be different. There is simply not a “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan that will work for everyone plagued by lupus.
Lupus Affects Us Differently
We know lupus can strike at any time. I may find myself dealing with massive water retention this week due to lupus kidney problems, or confusion and memory loss next week due to brain involvement. I have found it helpful to learn about all the ways lupus affects me so I can take the right precautions at the right time and get myself through the flare as quickly and as easily as possible.
I keep track of my symptoms and note the situation surrounding their onset. It’s essential for me to know which body systems are involved so that I can be cognizant of the supplies I should have on hand if a flare should arise.
I’m diligent in my care and notify my doctor anytime something “new” rears its ugly head. In addition to standard lupus medications, I have many that I take to tackle specific issues. It would be irresponsible of me to incorporate every bit of advice for dealing with lupus that I find on the Internet.
