Lupus.....?

My mom might have Lupus. She has the butterfly rash and she hasnt gotten a test back from the doctor but he really thinks she does. Is Lupus serious? I've heard it takes a very long time to take its full course. In many years does Lupus kill you?

my mom is in an RN
so she is very well informed about Lupus

Hi, Im Chris. I have Lupus and have had it probablly since I was in my early teens. I'm now almost 40. I also own a support group for people with autoimmune diseases. Well, Lupus can do and attack almost any organ. However, there are various degrees. The prognosis is much better today then even 10 years ago. It can come on quickly and diminish with time, or a person may have it hit slow, with periods of remmison. It does effect skin but there are two types of lupus SLE (which is systemic, meaning whole body) or Discoid (meaning just skin). I have had many "Flares", some very serious, and some mild ones. Part of living well with Lupus is a persons fight and attitude. There is no reason, with proper medical care that your mother can't lead a full life. There are more Family support and outside support are also paramount. As a person who lives with, as well as the researcher for the group I own, with other memebers, my knowledge base has grown. As well as a very good Rhuemotologist, that is important, and going to appoitments with a specilaist is paramount in catching any organ threatning, or even milder cases of lupus quickly. Several in our group still continue working, some not. So until you find out for sure, worry and stress will only make you and your mom feel worse. I also know from personal experience, when I don't eat fast food, I recover quicker, and have longer periods of remmison, as well as I just feel better. Along with blood work, a butterfly rash your mother must meet a minimum of 4 of 11 critera for a possible or probable diagnosis.
Thank You,
Chris B

hey,Chris

There is four types of Lupus duh you idiot.I think that I've got it cause there is a rash that looks like a butterfly on my left arm and it's on my fingers on my left hand.The fourth type of Lupus is neonatal lupus that type can affect a fetus or a baby. Report It

Oh I forgot one more thing here's the website for Lupus it's www.lupus.org. Report It

Well I can say from personal experience, being as my boyfriend, his sister & his brother all have it you can live a VERY long time w lupus...it is an auto immune disease & there are a few different types you can have ......here is the national lupus foundation web site, go here they should be able to help you.......http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html

Also, dont worry too much w proper medication & a little diet change you can live a happy healthy life w lupus & you dont have to worry about losing you Mom anytime soon鈾モ櫏

Hi,there is a very good website.
www.fightlupus.com/

depends on the kind she has and how bad it is..
I have SLE (systemic Lupus) I was told in 84.
I'm still here...do fine, no meds...(I'm 52 now).
She can do well, way into her 70's-80's if she does away with stress, stays out of the sun, takes her meds (if she needs to) and takes care of her health...
Don't be scared...trust me..it will be Ok...
she'll need to see an Internal Meds Dr or a Rheumatologist (if she has rheumatoid arthritis). There are a LOT of new meds out now to help...and if she takes care of herself, she'll live a long time...

lupus is a serious condition. life expectancy depends on the type of lupus you have, as one type affects your skin and the other affects the soft tissues of your body. my aunt and 2 of her kids have the type that affects your skin, and they are living just fine. my mother has the lupus that affects soft body tissue, and this includes organs. she's had lupus for about 10 years, and is still alive and working and leading a fairly normal life. never ask if a disease or disorder will "kill" you, ask what measures you can take to make life easier with the problem. a disease may weaken your defenses, but if you have something terminal or long lasting, never go out without a fight

I have probable Lupus, but my mother's cousin has Lupus and is in her 80's
Lupus is usually diagnosed by symptoms as the ANA is not a sure indicator. I have Lupus Anticoagulant, which is not Lupus, nor an anticoagulant. Only some Lupus patients have this. It is Antiphospholipid Syndrome and causes clotting.
I hear your concern for your mom. Best wishes

Lupus has no set course . Lupus patients cross each other thru the years with the same ailments.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that produces SO many antiboties that it atctally attacks and kills health cells and joints.

I was told in 1985 I had 6 months to live. however, I have had many operations brought on by the effects of lupus.

Oh the other hand there are people who have either gone so long with diagnoses or just don't want to admit they have it and battle for their lives.

There have been know deaths with 30 days of diagnosis -- however, somehow I believe that is fright of the unknown not the disease itself.

With there being Systemic (innter body all locations) and Discoid -- skin -- Lupus can attack anywhere. I do not consider a Lupus patient a patient but a victim.

My prayers will be with you daily, your family.