Wellness

[goodstuff]

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.

[liliblu]

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.