WHAT IS LUPUS?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (S.L.E. or Lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of various parts of the body. The skin, joints, kidneys and blood cells are especially involved. The immune system normally protects the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign material by using specialised white blood cells. The products of these cells include antibodies, which bind to foreign materials to help the body eliminate them. In an autoimmune disease, like Lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances and some of our own cells and tissues. This is called "autoimmunity." The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self." They are called auto-antibodies. In New Zealand, Lupus affects one to two persons per one thousand. A study by a group of Auckland Rheumatologists confirmed that in New Zealand it is more prevalent in Maori, Pacific Islanders, Asians and other races with pigmented skin. Approximately 10% of Lupus patients are men.
Lupus is NOT infectious, rare or cancerous. It is more common than the more publicised diseases of leukaemia, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis. Medical science has not yet developed a method for curing Lupus. Increased professional awareness and improved diagnostic techniques and evaluation methods are contributing to the early diagnosis and treatment of Lupus. With current methods of therapy, 80-90% of people with Lupus can look forward to a normal life span.
Lupus can be triggered
What are the symptoms?
Here are some of the more common symptoms. Rarely do two people have exactly the same symptoms, and these can vary from just one to many.
- joint and/or muscle aches and pains
- butterfly shaped rash on the cheeks and/or other rashes
- fatigue and weakness
- recurring flu-like symptoms
- headaches, migraines
- oral and/or nasal ulcers
- hair loss
- depression
- seizures, mental and other cerebral problems
- chest and/or abdominal pain
- poor blood circulation
- blood disorders
- kidney problems
Suggestions on how to cope with lupus
- Become well-educated about Lupus.
- Rest is essential. The fatigue is not like the tiredness from physical exertion. Allow time for extra rest without feeling guilty.
- Plan ahead. Develop priorities and pace your daily activities. Break down goals into small manageable steps that can be accomplished in short amounts of time.
- Be open with family and friends about the unpredictable pattern of Lupus and how it affects you.
- Try to listen to your pain then you can begin to control it.
- Stress, depression and pain are all closely connected and each affects the other. Take steps to solve any of these problems so as to reduce the others.
- Many Lupus patients are sun sensitive. Avoid sun exposure and ultraviolet light. Wear protective clothing and sun-block when outside.
- Ask for help when you need it. Family, friends, health care professionals and Lupus Trust of New Zealand can all help and support.
Join your local Lupus Trust of NZ support group and make friends with Lupus patients and supporters.