topic Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions! in Wellness

Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

Perkup — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 20:51:48 GMT

My next door neighbor's daughter - just finished her Freshman year in college - has been suffering with Hives recently. Taken to a doctor and having had blood work done, she has been diagnosed with Lupus. Apparently her numbers were extremely high in the diagnosis. I would love to know a little more about this disease so that I can talk with my friend intelligently. I know I can Google it, and I have, but I'm more interested in personal information from those who have dealt with the disease personal or through someone special. Please tell me anything you can that might be helpful. I think her daughter will be 19 years this summer, and this seems quite young to have such a serious problem. They are devastated.

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

pattypeep — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 20:59:22 GMT

Prior to my retirement, I worked w/ a young woman w/ lupus. She was doing fairly well prior to my leaving the office six years ago; however, I understand that the Lupus has now affected her kidneys and she is on a transplant list. What I understood from her experience is that Lupus can effect a certain part of your body and won't really be known until that happens. I remember her having to occasionally go on a regiment of chemotherapy. It's horrible for your young neighbor. I pray that today's science can offer more of a positive outlook for curing this horrible disease.

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

ahoymate — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 21:02:44 GMT

webmd.com

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

lolakimono — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 22:46:12 GMT

My friend was diagnosed in HS. She has flare ups now and then but tries to eat well, manage stress, and take it easy. She lost her eyebrows and eyelashes and has had several courses of steroids when she has an attack. Recently she gave birth to her first child, although I'm not sure how many more she will be able to have.

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

happycat — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 22:46:37 GMT

I use to work with a woman who had to go on disability after being diagnosed with it. She didn't want to quit, she had a very good job, but her dr. told her she had to, for her health's sake. From what I understand, it affects people differently. My mother was told she had it a long time ago, one of the things she was told was to stay out of the sun. Then, she went to a specialist who did further testing and said she did not have it. Maybe it use to be hard to test for. That was a very long time ago.

I feel for your young neighbor. I hope things go as well as possible for her.

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

Tissyanne — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 22:51:10 GMT

Lupus affects different people in different ways. If it goes systemic, then it becomes especially dangerous, and is sometimes fatal. Steroids are often used to help control the symptoms, and unfortunately a lot of side effects come from these drugs. I wish her the best, and hopefully, she won't have a severe time.

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

Big Sister — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 02:20:00 GMT

Hives can be a precursor to an illness. They are not always from a food allergy. If you break out in hives, call your doctor.

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

Desertdi — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 02:52:31 GMT

I personally do not care to discuss my illnesses with the neighbors...............

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

Lucky Charm — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 03:39:35 GMT

My mothers neighbor has it. She is in her 90's. She looks very frail but is strong as an ox. Does all her yardwork and keeps house, car, garage and shed spotless. When she's outside she wears long sleeves, pants and a beekeepers hood to protect herself from the sun always.

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

Perkup — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 20:20:15 GMT

On 6/8/2014 Desertdi said:
I personally do not care to discuss my illnesses with the neighbors...............

I appreciate your point of view, and I sometimes agree. However, when a friend or neighbor comes to me for support, I want to help in any way that I can. She is seeing specialists, but needs someone to come home and share with. Her husband is deceased, and this is her fifth child of five. A tall, beautiful girl with violet eyes, golden brown hair and a genius IQ. Never made a B in her life. Always makes the best choices. Could model for anyone!!! On full scholarship to a major college in Engineering. It's a devastating blow to her, as well as the rest of her family.

I appreciate all of your comments - it makes me feel a little more familiar with a disease that has never affected anyone else I know personally. Thanks to all of you, and please remember this precious young woman and her mother in your prayers.

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

goodstuff — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 20:28:29 GMT

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, and like all autoimmune diseases, it may wax and wane, go through periods when it is less or more severe. In some cases it can rock along for many years with symptoms that are bothersome and unpleasant, but not devastating. For others, it can be quite disabling and can cause kidney damage and other serious or even life-threatening problems. The course and severity of lupus are very hard to predict; every case is different. The most important thing is that this young lady gets herself under the care of an excellent rheumatologist who can track the progress of her disorder and offer the most effective therapies. There are many new medications for autoimmune disorders which can make a huge difference in peoples' lives. Autoimmune diseases are "for the long haul" and generally are managed rather than cured.

I know several people with lupus who are doing quite well. My daughter has a different autoimmune disorder and is working and doing reasonably well in spite of the problems it causes.

I wish this young lady all the best.

Re: Lupus . . . Lots of Questions!

liliblu — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:11:19 GMT

I have a family member who was diagnosed with lupus in her 20s. The illness has taken its toll on her health and body. Her hair fell out at one point but soon grew back thick and healthy. It has effected her vision. The disease has destroyed her kidney function and she has been on dialysis for years. It took time and money in a state kidney fund but she is now on the transplant list. We are just waiting for a match. The lupus has now begun to attack her pancreas. She is currently enduring another round of chemo. She is a college grad who was placed on disability before she turned 35. She would give almost anything for a functioning kidney and the ability to work.