Lupus Support Group
Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.
For the past year and a half ive experienced excessive fatige,hair loss, body aches, hives,and infections and was just wondering if maybe i should get tested for lupus...
What are the main symptoms that some of you experienced when you got diagnosed.??
What are the main symptoms that some of you experienced when you got diagnosed.??
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
1) Rash over the cheeks: the characteristic butterfly rash.
2) Discoid rash: raised red patches that cause scars and appear usually on sun-exposed areas.
3) Photosensitivity: rash after being exposed to ultraviolet A and B light.
4) Ulcers in the mouth or nose: usually painless and recurrent.
5) Arthritis: non-erosive arthritis in which the bones around the joints do not become destroyed; inflammation of two peripheral joints with tenderness, swelling, or fluid.
6) Plueritis or pericarditis: inflammation of the lining of the lung or heart.
7) Kidney disorder: excessive protein or abnormal sediment in the urine.
8) Neurologic disorder: seizuires, convulsions, or psychosis with no other explanation.
9) Blood abnormalities: hemolytic anemia, low white blood cell count, low platelet counts.
10) Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test.
11) Immunologic disorder: antibodies to Sm nuclear antigen, antibodies to native DNA, or positive results of antiphospholipid antibodies test based on an abnormal serum level of IgG or IgM anticardiolipin antibodies, a positive test result for lupus anitcoagulant, or a false-positive serologic test for syphilis known to be positive for at least 6 months.
Definitive diagnosis is made when four of the 11 criteria is manifested in a patient.
If you are not yet seeing a rheumatologist, have your GP refer you to one.
Some of the lupus-related tests that you could request for diagnosis are the following: The ANA, anti-DNA, anticardiolipin, and anti-Smith(Sm) tests.
Hopefully this is helpful to you. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out.