A Few Specifics
Cardiovascular System
If lupus affects your cardiovascular system, you may have complications related to your heart, arteries, veins and capillaries. You may be prone to chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, lupus bruises, vasculitis, coronary artery disease and inflammation related to the heart such as pericarditis, myocarditis and endocarditis.
- Medical specialist: Cardiologist
- Things to try: Heart healthy foods
- Things to avoid: Extended periods of strenuous activity or overexertion
Pulmonary System
If lupus affects your pulmonary system, you may have complications related to your lungs and diaphragm. You may be prone to chest pain, shortness of breath, dry cough, breathing difficulties, low oxygen levels, chronic lung disease, pulmonary embolism and inflammation related to the lungs such as pleuritis and pneumonitis.
- Medical specialist: Pulmonologist
- Things to try: Breathing exercises and a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen level
- Things to avoid: Overexertion as well as lack of activity — find a happy medium
The Skin
If lupus affects your skin, you may be prone to rashes, sores/lesions and hair loss.
- Medical specialist: Dermatologist
- Things to try: Sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, broad-brimmed hats and topical creams.
- Things to avoid: Sun exposure and extended hours under florescent lights
The Blood
If lupus affects your blood, you may have complications related to your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. You may be blood disorders such as anemia and thrombosis (blood clotting).
- Medical specialist: Hematologist
- Things to try: Iron supplements
- Things to avoid: Activities that could cause injury resulting in excessive bleeding
Think about how lupus affects you. Does it manifest as a skin condition, damage your heart, or cause you to have tummy troubles?
There is a wealth of information that can be found here on NewLifeOutlook, and many wonderful suggestions have been offered by those who walk your same path. However, wading through the information can become daunting and overwhelming.
Which bits of advice do you incorporate? Which pieces of information are specific to your needs? For this reason, it’s important to know all you can about your particular situation.
The material becomes more manageable when you know what you are looking for. Don’t let lupus control and define you! Be proactive and seek the knowledge that will empower you to control your disease.
